Power loss minimization considering short-circuit capacity in distribution system with decentralized distributed generation

In the future, a large number of distributed generators are expected to be connected to the distribution system. However, with the connected capacity of distributed generation (DG) increasing, the problems of short-circuit capacity (SCC) over the interrupting capacity of the circuit breaker (CB) and power loss increases due to reverse power flow from DG are inevitable. In this paper, a reconfiguration methodology based on an optimal algorithm is applied to the distribution system with DG to minimize power loss, taking into account the SCC. Moreover, in order to further reduce the loss, the daily load variation is also considered and the optimal model decided by calculations. Finally, to illustrate its application, the methodology is applied to a case study of a 33-bus system with decentralized DG units. The results show that this method is obviously able to reduce power loss and make the network operate in the optimal mode with normal load variation, at the same time decreasing the SCC within the interrupting maximum of the faulty CB. Moreover, the whole voltage profile is also improved. (c) 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.