Abstract
In this paper, two algorithms, analytical and particle swarm optimization (PSO), are introduced and compared with each other for optimal allocation of distributed generation (DG) units in radial distribution networks (RDNs) to minimize the total loss in real power. Four different types of DG units are considered in this work. The two algorithms make use of a backward / forward load flow method for the load flow analysis of the RDN by which the node voltages and the total active power loss of the network are determined. The introduced algorithms are tested on the IEEE 41 bus radial distribution system and the results are obtained using MATLAB. Discussions are provided based on the results of case studies. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.