Sensitivity-Guided Distributed Generation Planning for Improved Voltage Performance in Distribution Networks
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12928/biste.v8i5.17538Keywords:
Distribution Networks, Distributed Generation, Voltage Sensitivity, Particle Swarm Optimization, Optimal Placement And Sizing, Radial Distribution NetworksAbstract
Optimal distributed generation (DG) planning is essential for reducing power losses and improving voltage performance in radial distribution networks (DNs). This paper proposes a voltage vulnerability sensitivity index (VVSI)-guided particle swarm optimization (PSO) framework for optimal DG placement and sizing. The VVSI quantifies local steady-state voltage sensitivity to small active-power injection variations and is integrated into both candidate-bus screening and the composite optimization objective. An adaptive penalty mechanism is employed to handle network operating constraints. The proposed framework is evaluated on the 33-bus and 69-bus radial DNs and compared with conventional PSO and genetic algorithm (GA) approaches. For the 33-bus system, active power loss decreases from 210.98 to 98.45 kW (53.3%), the minimum voltage improves from 0.903 to 0.967 p.u., and normalized VVSI decreases from 1.00 to 0.51. For the 69-bus system, power loss decreases from 224.90 to 85.30 kW (62.1%), the minimum voltage improves from 0.909 to 0.972 p.u., and normalized VVSI decreases to 0.48. The results demonstrate improved network efficiency, voltage profiles, and local steady-state voltage sensitivity under the investigated operating conditions. The proposed framework provides a sensitivity-informed approach to DG planning without modifying the conventional PSO update mechanism.
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