Optimal sizing of distributed generation based on chaotic free-search algorithm in an island microgrid

Micro-grid technology is well-suited to power supply of an island. As to micro-grid planning, a critical issue is how to optimize sizes of distributed generation so that reliability and efficiency of power supply can be assured. This paper calculates different costs of equipment, operation, maintenance and replacement for different distributed resource models. Annual meteorological conditions, load demands and reliability are taken into consideration as well. This paper presents the chaotic free-search (CFS) algorithm to address the problem of optimizing distributive generation. In this algorithm, chaotic searching is conducted within the individuals to avoid the local minima, and the elite competitive strategy is used to accelerate the convergence speed. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has its edge over traditional one in the following aspects: fast convergence property and preciseness.