Distributed Generation (DG) can help in reducing the cost of electricity to the costumer, relieve network congestion and provide environmentally friendly energy close to load centers. Its capacity is also scalable and it provides voltage support at distribution level. Hence, DG placement and penetration level is an important problem for both the utility and DG owner. The Optimal Power Flow (OPF) has been widely used for both the operation and planning of a power system. The OPF is also suited for deregulated environment. Four different objective functions are considered in this study: (1) Improvement voltage profile (2) minimization of active power loss (3) maximum capacity of conductors (4) maximization of reliability level. The site and size of DG units are assumed as design variables. The results are discussed and compared with those of traditional distribution planning and also with Imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA). Key words: Distributed generation, distribution network planning, multi-objective optimization, and Imperialist competitive algorithm.
Selection of the best type and most suitable size of conductors is essential for designing and optimizing the distribution network. In this paper, an effective method has been proposed for proper selection and incorporation of conductors in the feed part of a radial electricity distribution network considering the depreciation effect of conductors. Increasing the usability of the electric energy of the power grid for the subscribers has been considered per load increment regarding the development of the country. Optimal selection and reconstruction of conductors in the power distribution radio network have been performed through a smart method for minimizing the costs related to annual losses and investment for renovation of lines by imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) to improve the productivity of the power distribution network. Backward/forward sweep load flow method has been used to solve the load flow problem in the power distribution networks. The mentioned optimization method has been tested on DAZ feeder in Ghaleganj town as test.