Implementation of Embedded Generator for Voltage Regulation and Loss Minimization in Distribution System

Recent years, embedded generators have been increasingly installed in distribution system in many parts of the world. Depending on their operating characteristics and locations, embedded generators could significantly affect the voltage profile, network losses and fault level in a distribution system. This paper presents a new technique for determining optimal allocation and sizing of embedded generator in a distribution system. Sensitivity indices based on voltage stability improvement with respect to change in injected active and reactive power at a load bus were derived and used to identify the suitable location for the embedded generators. In order to determine the optimal output of the embedded generators, an evolutionary programming optimization technique was developed with an objective to minimize the distribution losses while satisfying the voltage constraint in the system. The proposed technique was tested on the 69 bus distribution system and the results shown a significant reduction in the line losses and voltage profile improvement has been obtained with the installation of embedded generator. A comparative study has also shown that embedded generator is capable to provide better voltage improvement and loss minimization than those obtained from the installation compensating capacitor.