A Hybrid Flower Pollination-Slide Mould Algorithm for DG Optimal Placement

Abstract

Determining the best locations and capacities for DG units in distribution networks remain challenging due to the non-convex characteristics of the optimization problem and the complexity of radial system topologies. To overcome these issues, this paper introduces a hybrid optimization method that combines the FPA with the SMA. The proposed approach aims to minimize power losses and improve voltage profiles by identifying the optimal locations and capacities of DG units within a radial distribution network. Its effectiveness is demonstrated using the IEEE 33-bus simulation system for cases involving single, two, and three DG units. Simulation results indicate that the hybrid FPA-SMA method consistently outperforms both the FPA and SMA algorithms individually. The hybrid technique reduces losses to <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$\mathbf{102.79 kW}$</tex> and <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$\mathbf{7 4. 1 1}$</tex> kVAr with a DG, 82.9 kW and 56.78 kVAr with two DGs, and achieves the minimum losses of 70.25 kW and 48.38 kVAr with three DGs. The minimum system voltage also improves from below 0.95 p.u. in the baseline to 0.9718 p.u. with three DG units. These results demonstrate that the hybrid FPA-SMA offers an effective and robust solution for DG integration, improving loss reduction, voltage stability, and overall system performance.

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