Cuckoo Search approach enhanced with genetic replacement of abandoned nests applied to optimal allocation of distributed generation units

Here, it is presented a novel Cuckoo Search (CS) algorithm called Cuckoo-GRN (Cuckoo Search with Genetically Replaced Nests), which combines the benefits of genetic algorithm (GA) into the CS algorithm. The proposed method handles the abandoned nests from CS more efficiently by genetically replacing them, significantly improving the performance of the algorithm by establishing optimal balance between diversification and intensification. The algorithm is used for the optimal location and size of distributed generation units in a distribution system, in order to minimise active power losses while improving system voltage stability and voltage profile. The allocation of single and multiple distribution generation units is considered. The proposed algorithm is extensively tested in mathematical benchmark functions as well as in the 33-bus and 119-bus distribution systems. Simulation results show that Cuckoo-GRN can lead to a substantial performance improvement over the original CS algorithm and others techniques currently known in literature, regarding not only the convergence but also the solution accuracy.