Minimizing reverse current flow due to distributed generation via optimal network reconfiguration

Abstract

Distributed generation (DG) is widely used to minimize total power losses in distribution networks. However, one of the problems of DG in a grid system is reverse current flow (RCF), which is when the DG output becomes greater than the connected load. Therefore, this paper proposes a multiobjective artificial bee colony (MOABC) algorithm to determine the optimal network reconfiguration for reducing total RCF in DG. The proposed algorithm is tested on 33-bus radial distribution systems in two different scenarios, i.e. base case and with 50% load. The proposed technique can reduce reverse current by up to 93%; however, the total power loss in the system will increase by 7%. Therefore, a suitable weight value is needed in MOABC for balancing the effect of RCF and the power loss value.