Development of a Power Flow Model for Optimal Location of Distributed Generators in Electrical Distribution Systems

Distributed generation (DG) is any small scale electrical power generation technology that provides electric power at the load site. An increase in the number of DG units in commercial and domestic electrical power output has brought concerns over improvement of distribution network. Installing these generator units at no optimal places usually result in an increase in system losses and an undesired effect on the system. It is therefore important to develop a power flow model for optimal location of DG in the distribution system. This paper develops a power flow model for distribution system to determine the optimal placement of DG units in distribution network in order to reduce power losses. The feasibility and effectiveness of the developed model are demonstrated on the 33kV distribution network of EKO Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDP) using computer simulations. The result revealed that the system loss is reduced by 1.1952p.u (that is 67% reduction)after introduction of DG which indicates a reduction in power losses with installation of DG at various feeders of the distribution system. The model confirmed that, with integration of DG in distribution network, the power losses are reduced and optimal DG placement is achieved. The analysis of the model will help to reduce the cost of electric power production and increase the capacity and efficiency of the electrical distribution systems. Keywords: Distributed Generation, Distribution System, Power Flow, Power Loss, EKEDP, Optimal location, Power losses