A novel distributed generation planning algorithm via graphically-based network reconfiguration and soft open points placement using Archimedes optimization algorithm

Abstract Hosting capacity (HC) is the mathematical interpretation for the maximum aggregated distributed generations (DGs) penetration among the distribution networks. DGs integration has been adopted as a cleaner energy resource, but it has major operational issues like overvoltage, harmonics, and others. In this work, a novel mathematical optimization algorithm is adopted for HC maximization via sequential network reconfiguration followed by soft open points (SOPs) placement. Besides, a novel SOPs allocation index is proposed to reduce the computational burden taken by the optimization techniques while controlling the discrete allocation variables. Thus, to ensure maximum penetration of DG units and optimum operation scheme, HC maximization is formulated as multi-objective optimization approach, while considering system performance indices as a portion of the objective function. The proposed optimization algorithm succeeded in maximizing the HC of the IEEE 33- node distribution network, the IEEE 69- node network, the 59-node Egyptian distribution network and the 135-node Brazilian distribution network efficiently while improving system performance indices. Further analysis is conducted on the studied distribution systems to assess the effect of load growth on system’s HC after allocating both SOPs and DGs.