New method for optimum placement of DGs and reclosers

In recent years, appearance of Distributed Generation (DGs) in power systems networks has provided important implications. Important advantages of DGs include increased reliability, loss reduction and improving voltage profile. In case of failure in the network, DGs can provide islands (isolated networks) resulting in continuation of supply loads and may reduce the number and/or duration of interruptions for customer residing within their protection zones. In this article, using a combination of Ant Colony system (ACS) algorithm, Analysis Hierarchical Process (AHP) and sensitivity analysis, optimal placement of reclosers and DGs are carried out based on economic and power quality considerations. The cost function include improving reliability, voltage profile and network losses. The method was implemented on a modified 34-feeder IEEE distribution network. Simulation results validated the effectiveness of the proposed method.