Optimization of distributed generation systems using a new discrete PSO and OPF

Many methods have been applied to achieve optimal site and size of distributed generation systems. This paper introduces a new hybrid method, which employs discrete particle swarm optimization and optimal power flow to overcome this shortcoming. The main technical constraints are imposed for utilities, which could apply this approach to search the best sites to connect distributed generation systems in a distribution network choosing among a large number of potential combinations. A fair comparison between the proposed algorithm and other methods is performed. For such goal, convergence curves of objective function versus number of iterations are computed. The proposed algorithm reaches a better solution than Genetic Algorithms considering similar number of evaluations. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.