Optimal allocation and sizing for profitability and voltage enhancement of PV systems on feeders

This paper presents a systematic algorithm to determine the optimal allocation and sizing of Photovoltaic Grid-connected Systems (PVGCSs) in feeders that provides the best overall impact onto the feeder. The optimal solution is reached by multi-objective optimization approach. Both technical and economical objective functions are taken into account in the optimization procedure. The technical objective is related with the improvement of the distribution feeder voltage conditions. The economical objective is associated with the profitability both PV generation and potential loss reduction on the feeder. This procedure aims at finding the PV solution that yields the best compromise for the two considered objectives between various potential candidates of PVGCSs well known. The results obtained with the proposed methodology for feeders found in the literature demonstrate its applicability. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.