The integration of distributed generation (DG) units in power distribution networks has become increasingly important in recent years. The aim of the optimal DG placement (ODGP) is to provide the best locations and sizes of DGs to optimize electrical distribution network operation and planning taking into account DG capacity constraints. Several models and methods have been suggested for the solution of the ODGP problem. This paper presents an overview of the state of the art models and methods applied to the ODGP problem, analyzing and classifying current and future research trends in this field.

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Optimal Distributed Generation Placement in Power Distribution Networks: Models, Methods, and Future Research

Natural disasters can cause large blackouts. Research into natural disaster impacts on electric power systems is emerging to understand the causes of the blackouts, explore ways to prepare and harden the grid, and increase the resilience of the power grid under such events. At the same time, new technologies such as smart grid, micro grid, and wide area monitoring applications could increase situational awareness as well as enable faster restoration of the system. This paper aims to consolidate and review the progress of the research field towards methods and tools of forecasting natural disaster related power system disturbances, hardening and pre-storm operations, and restoration models. Challenges and future research opportunities are also presented in the paper.

Research on Resilience of Power Systems Under Natural Disasters—A Review

Microgrids with distributed generation (DG) provide a resilient solution in the case of major faults in a distribution system due to natural disasters. This paper proposes a novel distribution system operational approach by forming multiple microgrids energized by DG from the radial distribution system in real-time operations to restore critical loads from the power outage. Specifically, a mixed-integer linear program is formulated to maximize the critical loads to be picked up while satisfying the self-adequacy and operation constraints for the microgrids formation problem by controlling the ON/OFF status of the remotely controlled switch devices and DG. A distributed multiagent coordination scheme is designed via local communications for the global information discovery as inputs of the optimization, which is suitable for autonomous communication requirements after the disastrous event. The formed microgrids can be further utilized for power quality control and can be connected to a larger microgrid before the restoration of the main grids is complete. Numerical results based on modified IEEE distribution test systems validate the effectiveness of our proposed scheme.

Resilient Distribution System by Microgrids Formation After Natural Disasters

Recently, integration of distributed generation (DG) in distribution systems has increased to high penetration levels. The impact of DG units on the voltage stability margins has become significant. Optimization techniques are tools which can be used to locate and size the DG units in the system, so as to utilize these units optimally within certain limits and constraints. Thus, the impacts of DG units issues, such as voltage stability and voltage profile, can be analyzed effectively. The ultimate goal of this paper is to propose a method of locating and sizing DG units so as to improve the voltage stability margin. The load and renewable DG generation probabilistic nature are considered in this study. The proposed method starts by selecting candidate buses into which to install the DG units on the system, prioritizing buses which are sensitive to voltage profile and thus improve the voltage stability margin. The DG units' placement and sizing is formulated using mixed-integer nonlinear programming, with an objective function of improving the stability margin; the constraints are the system voltage limits, feeders' capacity, and the DG penetration level.

Optimal Placement and Sizing Method to Improve the Voltage Stability Margin in a Distribution System Using Distributed Generation

Continuously expanding deployments of distributed power-generation systems (DPGSs) are transforming the conventional centralized power grid into a mixed distributed electrical network. The modern power grid requires flexible energy utilization but presents challenges in the case of a high penetration degree of renewable energy, among which wind and solar photovoltaics are typical sources. The integration level of the DPGS into the grid plays a critical role in developing sustainable and resilient power systems, especially with highly intermittent renewable energy resources. To address the challenging issues and, more importantly, to leverage the energy generation, stringent demands from both utility operators and consumers have been imposed on the DPGS. Furthermore, as the core of energy conversion, numerous power electronic converters employing advanced control techniques have been developed for the DPGS to consolidate the integration. In light of the above, this paper reviews the power-conversion and control technologies used for DPGSs. The impacts of the DPGS on the distributed grid are also examined, and more importantly, strategies for enhancing the connection and protection of the DPGS are discussed.

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Distributed Power-Generation Systems and Protection

The goal to provide faster and faster restoration after a fault is pushing the technical envelope related to new algorithms. While many approaches use centralized strategies, the concept of multi-agent systems (MAS) is creating a new option related to distributed analyses for restoration. This paper provides details on a MAS that restores a power system after a fault. The development of agents and behaviors of the agents are described, including communication of agents. The MAS is tested on two test systems and facilitates both full and partial restoration, including load prioritization and shedding.

A Multi-Agent Solution to Distribution Systems Restoration

With the increased installations of distributed generators (DGs) within power systems, load flow analysis of distribution systems needs special models and algorithms to handle multiple sources. In this paper, the development of an unbalanced three-phase load flow algorithm that can handle multiple sources is described. This software is capable of switching the DG mode of operation from constant voltage to constant power factor. The algorithm to achieve this in the presence of multiple DGs is proposed. Shipboard power systems (SPS) have other special characteristics apart from multiple sources, which make the load flow difficult to converge. The developed software is verified for a distribution system without DG using the Radial Distribution Analysis Package (RDAP). The developed software analyzes an IEEE test case and an icebreaker ship system. System studies for the IEEE 37-node feeder without the regulator show the effect of different models and varying DG penetration related to the increase in loading. System losses and voltage deviations are compared.

Development of Three-Phase Unbalanced Power Flow Using PV and PQ Models for Distributed Generation and Study of the Impact of DG Models

A novel formulation for service restoration algorithm for unbalanced three phase distribution systems is described. This problem is a constrained multiobjective optimization formulated as a mixed integer non-linear programming problem. A comparison of the solutions with and without switch pairs has been made. The formulation was first validated using already developed three-phase unbalanced power flow software. The three-phase unbalanced power flow equations were embedded in the formulation, and hence separate calculations were not needed. Simulation results are presented for modified IEEE 13-node and IEEE 37-node test cases

S. Khushalani

Papers

A Multi-Agent Solution to Distribution Systems Restoration

Development of Three-Phase Unbalanced Power Flow Using PV and PQ Models for Distributed Generation and Study of the Impact of DG Models

Optimized Restoration of Unbalanced Distribution Systems

Impact of distributed generation on distribution contingency analysis

Optimized restoration of combined ac/dc shipboard power systems including distributed generation and islanding techniques