Optimal Siting and Sizing of Distributed Generators for Voltage Stability Enhancement Using a Particle Swarm Optimization Framework

Abstract

This study investigated the enhancement of voltage stability in distribution networks through optimal allocation of distributed generation (DG) using a particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based framework. The Owerri 33/11 kV distribution network was modelled and simulated in the Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT) to assess baseline performance without DG. A polynomial model was developed to establish the relationship between active power flow and line distance, which was then employed as the objective function for PSO to determine the optimal siting and sizing of solar PV-based DG units. Results demonstrated significant improvements in network performance: voltage profile increased by 21.45%, active and reactive power flows improved by 32.13% and 42.33%, while active and reactive power losses were reduced by 45.32% and 38.33%, respectively. Comparative evaluation against existing literature confirms the superior performance of the proposed methodology, establishing it as an effective tool for mitigating congestion, reducing losses, and improving overall grid stability in practical distribution systems.