A combined practical approach for distribution system loss reduction

This paper investigates the loss reduction potential of primary distribution systems with distributed generation (DG) units, capacitors and network reconfiguration. A methodology is proposed to combine different types of DG units and capacitors for minimising losses. A combination of reconfiguration, DG and capacitor placement to obtain high loss reduction is also presented. The results obtained on a 33-bus test distribution system with constant load condition and a 687-bus real distribution system with varying load conditions show significant loss reduction using the proposed approach. The combination of type 1 DG (i.e. DG capable of delivering real power only) and capacitor placement or reconfiguration with type 1 DG and capacitor placement can be viable for minimising losses.