Optimization of distribution system operation by network reconfiguration and DG integration using MPSO algorithm

This paper introduces a Mixed Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) approach for active power loss minimization and voltage profile improvement in the distribution network. The developed technique joins the Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO) and the conventional PSO algorithms. The first one is devoted to identify the optimal distribution network configuration, while the second one is used to solve Distributed Generation (DG) placement and sizing problems. To evaluate the performance of the developed approach, three different load scenarios were assessed during network reconfiguration (NR) and DG integration. Simulations are conducted on two distribution test systems, namely, the IEEE-33-bus and the IEEE-69-bus. The obtained results clearly demonstrate the performance and the effectiveness of the proposed method to find optimal status of switches, as well as DG locations and sizes. A benchmark comparison is presented to prove the efficiency of the proposed MPSO with regard to other optimization techniques. The results show that MPSO outperforms these techniques in terms of quality of solution, power loss reduction and voltage profile enhancement. This study is an extension of the earlier published conference paper.