2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A

The integration of renewable distributed generation (DG) units into distribution networks has gained significant attention due to their potential to enhance energy efficiency, improve voltage profiles, and reduce carbon emissions. However, improper placement of these DG units can lead to increased power losses, voltage instability, and network congestion. This paper presents an optimal placement strategy for both dispatchable and non-dispatchable renewable DG units in distribution networks with the objective of minimizing energy loss.

The study employs a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) approach to determine the optimal locations and capacities of DG units. Dispatchable renewable DG units, such as biomass and hydroelectric generators, offer flexibility in generation output, while non-dispatchable sources like solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbines depend on environmental conditions. The optimization model considers various constraints, including power balance, voltage limits, thermal capacity, and network stability.

A multi-objective function is formulated to minimize active and reactive power losses while maintaining network reliability and voltage profile improvement. The optimization methodology incorporates metaheuristic algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) to enhance computational efficiency and achieve global optimality. Comparative analyses are conducted using IEEE standard test systems to validate the proposed approach.

The results indicate that strategically placing a combination of dispatchable and non-dispatchable DG units significantly reduces energy losses and improves voltage stability. Sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the impact of different penetration levels of renewable DG units on overall system performance. Furthermore, the study examines the influence of varying load conditions and seasonal variations on the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.

The findings demonstrate that hybrid integration of dispatchable and non-dispatchable DGs can maximize network efficiency while ensuring reliability. The proposed method provides a practical framework for utilities and policymakers to optimize renewable energy integration in modern distribution networks. Future research directions include the consideration of real-time dynamic control strategies and the integration of energy storage systems to enhance network resilience and flexibility.