Α Combined Metaheuristic Optimization Technique for Optimal Site and Scaling of PVDG System in a Radial Distribution Network

Although integrating Renewable Energy Resources (RERs) into distribution systems offers benefits such as clean energy and free availability, it also introduces challenges, such as Inverse Power Flow (IPF) issues. This study proposes an efficient approach to address these issues by optimizing the placement and sizing of Photovoltaic Distributed Generation (PVDG) systems in Radial Distribution Networks (RDNs). The proposed strategy involves selecting the optimal PVDG location using the Loss Sensitivity Factor (LSF) and determining the optimal PVDG size with the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm. This method aims to minimize active power losses and enhance the voltage profile in the investigated system. The performance of the ABC algorithm was evaluated against other optimization methods, such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). The effectiveness of the proposed strategy was tested and validated on τηε IEEE 15-Βus and IEEE 85-Βus RDNs. The results obtained show that the ABC algorithm outperformed the other methods in reducing power losses and improving voltage profiles.