Optimal location of a PV system using Grey Wolf Optimizer and operation analysis

With the rapid integration of renewable energy technologies and the development of smart grids in the last decades, the role played by the electric power distribution system is increasingly important in power systems. The photovoltaic industry knows a significant growth due to the political commitment that helps to achieve environmental goals and the security of energy supply in order to create a future sustainable economy. This paper presents a methodology for determining the optimal location of a photovoltaic (PV) system in a distribution network using Grey Wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm. The objective function consists of minimizing the active power losses. The results provided by the GWO are compared, in terms of performance with those obtained by a genetic algorithm (GA). Furthermore, an operation analysis is performed on an hourly basis for a one-year period. The influence of connecting the PV system upon the active power losses, voltage magnitude and lines loading is also analyzed.