Optimal DG Allocation and Thyristor-FCL Controlled Impedance Sizing for Smart Distribution Systems Using Genetic Algorithm

Recently, smart grids have been considered as one of the vital elements in upgrading current power systems to a system with more reliability and efficiency. Distributed generation is necessary for most of these new networks. Indeed, in all cases that DGs are used in distribution systems, protection coordination failures may occur in multiple configurations of smart grids using DGs. In different configurations, there are various fault currents that can lead to protection failure. In this study, an optimal DG locating and Thyristor-Controlled Impedance (TCI) sizing of resistive, inductive, and capacitive type is proposed for distribution systems to prevent considerable changes in fault currents due to different modes of the smart grid. This problem is nonlinear constrained programming (NLP) and the genetic algorithm is utilized for the optimization. This optimization is applied to the IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 69-bus standard distribution systems. Optimum DG location and TCI sizing has carried out in steady fault currents in the grid-connected mode of these practical networks. Simulation results verify that the proposed method is effective for minimizing the protection coordination failure in such distribution networks.