Optimal placement and sizing of multiple distributed generating units in distribution networks by invasive weed optimization algorithm

Distributed generation (DG) is becoming more important due to the increase in the demands for electrical energy. DG plays a vital role in reducing real power losses, operating cost and enhancing the voltage stability which is the objective function in this problem. This paper proposes a multi-objective technique for optimally determining the location and sizing of multiple distributed generation (DG) units in the distribution network with different load models. The loss sensitivity factor (LSF) determines the optimal placement of DGs. Invasive weed optimization (IWO) is a population based meta-heuristic algorithm based on the behavior of weeds. This algorithm is used to find optimal sizing of the DGs. The proposed method has been tested for different load models on IEEE-33 bus and 69 bus radial distribution systems. This method has been compared with other nature inspired optimization methods. The simulated results illustrate the good applicability and performance of the proposed method. (C) 2015 Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.