Optimal placement and sizing of distributed generation in power distribution system: a comprehensive review

The optimal placement and size of distributed generation (DG) in distribution networks has always been a challenge for utilities as well as customers in order to extract the maximum feasible advantages in terms of ecological, financial, and technical issues. The advantages of optimal placement and sizing of DG in a distribution system are to ensure the adequate performance of the distribution network, which entails minimizing system losses, enhancing voltage profiles, increasing system resilience, consistency, and load-bearing capacity. This study presents a survey of traditional, artificial intelligence, hybrid, and software-based strategies for optimal sizing and placement of DG. A comprehensive survey is briefly presented for modern distribution networks considering different parameters with the change in input, complexity level, and the results. The understanding of the presented techniques with their strengths and weakness will help the researchers working in the field of distributed generation.