Optimal DG Placement in Power Systems Using a Modified Flower Pollination Algorithm

There is a huge requirement for power systems to reduce power losses. Adding distributed generators (DGs) is the most common approach to achieving lower power losses. However, several challenges arise, such as determining the ideal size as well as location of the utilized distributed generators. Most of the existing methods do not consider the variety of load types, the variety and size of the utilized DGs besides reducing the convergence time and enhancing the optimization results. The paper performed an optimization algorithm that integrated a golden search-based flower pollination algorithm and fitness-distance balance (FDB) to find out the optimal size as well as the location of the distributed generators. It was then compared with different optimization methods to determine the best optimization technique, and it was determined to be the best technique. In addition, different types of DGs are considered, including solar energy, wind energy, and biogas, along with optimizing the size of the utilized DGs to reduce the system cost. Testing with different types of bus systems, and different types of DGs in a radial distribution system was done to reveal that the modified flower pollination with golden section search was superior in comparison to others with regards to convergence and power loss reduction.