An improved equilibrium optimiser-based algorithm for dynamic network reconfiguration and renewable DG allocation under time-varying load and generation

This paper presents an improved equilibrium optimiser (IEO)-based method for dynamic hourly network reconfiguration (NR) with optimal allocation of dispatchable and non-dispatchable renewable distributed generator (DG) units in radial power distribution networks. In this work, solar- and wind-based DGs are considered non-dispatchable DG, while biomass DGs are considered dispatchable DG. The output of biomass DGs is adjusted according to the 24-hour load demand curve and that of solar and wind DG follow their hourly power generation. For this purpose, a multi-objective function is developed with consideration of hourly power loss minimisation and profit maximisation without violating the system’s operational constraints. The viability and efficacy of the proposed method are tested on IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus distribution systems for five distinct scenarios of network reconfiguration and renewable DG allocation. The analysis shows that the simultaneous NR and DG have a more substantial impact than considering the cases separately. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.