DISTRIBUTION NETWORK POWER LOSS MINIMIZATION BY INTEGRATING DISTRIBUTED GENERATION THROUGH PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUE (Case Study: Kombolcha Distribution Network)

This research examines the performance improvement of Kombolcha power distribution system by incorporating Distributed Generation (DG) using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) by optimal sizing and positioning. The distribution system consists of a total of eight feeders. Feeder 3 of the Kombolcha distribution network, with a total load of 6.29 Mw, was chosen as the case study because of its significant load, numerous transformers, extensive length, and large customer base. Load flow analysis and optimization were performed using MATLAB 2021a software. Through PSO, the ideal size and location for distributed generation were identified, with the DG positioned at bus 75 and rated at 3.1 MW. This incorporation of DG led to a significant decrease of losses. Losses in real and reactive power were decreased by 57.85 % and 56.37 % respectively. The system voltage profile was also enhanced from 0.956 to 1.