Private investor-based distributed generation expansion planning considering uncertainties of renewable generations

Distributed generation expansion planning (DGEP) is one of the most important types of planning in power distribution networks. Most of the previous studies associated with the DGEP problem have been performed from the viewpoint of network owner, while the investment, sizing and siting of Distributed Generations (DGs) are mostly taken by the private sector. Therefore, DGEP problem in the viewpoint of private investors should be taken into special consideration. In this paper, attempts are made to propose a model for DGEP problem based on the private investor's viewpoint to meet their objectives and also, take the technical constraints of the distribution network into account, at the same time. In this light, the uncertainties of the renewable DGs have also been considered in the problem and the Hong's Two Point Estimate Method (HTPEM) is used to provide a solution for probabilistic load flow problem. The method presented in this paper has been applied to the modified 18-bus distribution network which has been derived from the 30-bus IEEE system. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.