Multi-objective Distributed Energy Resource Integration in Radial Distribution Networks

Despite numerous studies on the optimal design and planning of distribution networks (DNs), little attention has been paid to improving the reliability of the distribution systems through optimal operation and planning of distributed generations (DGs) and energy storage systems (ESSs). This paper aims to integrate multi-type DG units and ESSs into the radial DNs to improve network reliability, decrease the losses, and maintain the voltage profiles. System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) and Average Energy Not Supplied (AENS) are used as representative reliability indices. Objective functions are formulated and solved by using the slime mould algorithm (SMA). The proposed model’s performance is tested on a balanced 33-bus system using the MATLAB environment. Then, the best solution is selected and compared with the base case values. Finally, SMA based solution is compared to those of genetic algorithm and particle swarm algorithm to validate the SMA’s performance for finding the near-global solution.