Analysis of the Optimized Allocation of Distributed Generation in Radial Distribution Networks Considering the Current Carrying Capacity of the Power Cables

Abstract

Due to climate change and increasingly high temperatures, distribution network planners face newchallenges that can overload power distribution networks. Thus, such overloads can lead the distributionsystem to operating points with low levels of safety and reliability. This work presents a case study toshow how the optimized allocation of distributed generation (DG) can reduce the current overload inregions with high temperatures. This allocation is carried out in a distribution network of 138 nodes inInírida, Guainía, Colombia, considering the static thermal classification of the conductors defined in theIEEE 738-2012 standard. Additionally, we consider three load and temperature growth scenarios usinga particle swarm optimization algorithm to optimize DG allocation. The results show that optimized DGallocation could reduce the overload by up to X% when X DG systems are installed in the distributionnetwork. The analysis can help energy distribution companies plan the dispatch and integration of distributed generation.