Optimal Siting and Capacity of Photovoltaic Distribution Generator in Radial Distribution Networks Using the Salp Swarm Algorithm and Geometric Mean Optimiser

This research presents an optimisation framework for determining the optimal location and capacity of photovoltaic distribution generators (PVDGs) in radial distribution networks (RDNs) using two recent algorithms: the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) and the Geometric Mean Optimiser (GMO). Unlike previous studies that treat distributed generation (DG) systems generically, this work offers a detailed modelling approach to PVDG power output and its direct impact on network performance. The framework is tested on both a standard IEEE 33-bus system and a practical Iraqi 66-bus system. Results show significant improvements in network performance after integrating optimal PVDG units, with power losses reduced by 61.334% and 61.571% using SSA and GMO, respectively, in the IEEE 33-bus system, and by 67.660% and 69.781% in the Iraqi 66-bus system. Additionally, the voltage stability index improved by 15.317% and 15.690% in the IEEE system and by 11.568% and 12.689% in the Iraqi system. The GMO algorithm demonstrated superior computational efficiency, converging faster and requiring fewer iterations than SSA. The accuracy and reliability of the results are further validated through comparison with previous work.