This paper investigates the problem of multiple distributed generator (DG units) placement to achieve a high loss reduction in large-scale primary distribution networks. An improved analytical (IA) method is proposed in this paper. This method is based on IA expressions to calculate the optimal size of four different DG types and a methodology to identify the best location for DG allocation. A technique to get the optimal power factor is presented for DG capable of delivering real and reactive power. Moreover, loss sensitivity factor (LSF) and exhaustive load flow (ELF) methods are also introduced. IA method was tested and validated on three distribution test systems with varying sizes and complexity. Results show that IA method is effective as compared with LSF and ELF solutions. Some interesting results are also discussed in this paper.

This paper proposes analytical expressions for finding optimal size and power factor of four types of distributed generation (DG) units. DG units are sized to achieve the highest loss reduction in distribution networks. The proposed analytical expressions are based on an improvement to the method that was limited to DG type, which is capable of delivering real power only. Three other types, e.g., DG capable of delivering both real and reactive power, DG capable of delivering real power and absorbing reactive power, and DG capable of delivering reactive power only, can also be identified with their optimal size and location using the proposed method. The method has been tested in three test distribution systems with varying size and complexity and validated using exhaustive method. Results show that the proposed method requires less computation, but can lead optimal solution as verified by the exhaustive load flow method.