Using k-means clustering method in determination of the optimal placement of distributed generation sources in electrical distribution systems

This paper proposes a method using k-means clustering, based on the operational characteristics (loss sensitivity factor and voltage values in nodes) to determine the optimal location of distributed generation sources into an electrical distribution system. The suggested method is tested on a 20 kV real rural distribution network with 91 nodes. In the optimal nodes from the network analyzed, DG is installed at different power levels, considering the evolution in time of the energy losses. On the basis of the results, the proposed method demonstrates that the methodology can be successfully used to reduce the real power losses, to improve the voltage values in nodes, but more important to determine the optimal placement of DG without violation of any of the system constraints under any operating conditions. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.