Comparative assessment of techno-economic and environmental benefits in optimal allocation of distributed generators in distribution networks

Integration of Distributed Generation (DG) into power systems, especially at the distribu-tion end, is one of the verified approaches that has been utilized to reduce power loss, enhanced reliable electricity supply, and promote environmental sustainability by reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. In this study, an approach for solving an optimal DG allocation problem in distribution network with the objective function of maximizing the financial Techno-Economic and Environmental Benefits (TEEBs) of the grid is discussed. The TEEBs analysis of the DG planning problem is uniquely modeled as financial cost-benefit due to reduced power purchased and reduced Penalty Emission Cost (PEC) arising from the reduction of GHG emission in the network. A comprehensive and comparative analysis was carried out for the four classes of DG technology types to identify the environmen-tal impact of integrating renewable and non-renewable DGs into the distribution system. Furthermore, The DG planning problem is solved using the Black Widow Optimizer (BWO) technique. The study implemented the proposed methodology on the standard IEEE 69 -bus and Nigerian Shasa 59-bus distribution systems. The results show that renewable DGs' optimal integration yielded higher TEEBs than non-renewable DGs despite the high capi-tal cost of renewable DGs. Furthermore, the study affirmed the viability and efficiency of the proposed method by comparing the results of power loss obtained for the various DG types with that of techniques in open works of literature. (c) 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of African Institute of Mathematical Sciences / Next Einstein Initiative.