Abstract: This research paper proposes a modified African vultures optimization algorithm designed to reduce power losses and improve the voltage profiles in radial distribution systems (RDS) with the presence of distributed generators (DGs) by attempting network reconfiguration (NR) issue. The modified AVO algorithm is meta-heuristic inspired by the hunting habits of African vultures. Its effectiveness has been tested on standard IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus systems. The three approaches are considered in this paper such as optimal network reconfiguration, optimal placement of DG, and the combination of both approaches. In this paper, four case studies with different load scenarios are considered to validate the reliability of the proposed algorithm. The results show that the combined approach attains higher power loss reduction than other two approaches. The results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the Improved Sine–Cosine Algorithm (ISCA), Fireworks Algorithm (FWA), and Harmony Search Algorithm (HSA), among others. Results witnesses that the proposed modified AVO algorithm is a skillful tool for simultaneous placement of network reconfiguration and DG integration.

Keywords: Distributed Generation Installation, Distribution System, Mathematical Modeling, modified African Vultures Optimization Algorithm, Network Reconfiguration, Power Losses, Voltage Profile Improvement

Pages: 326-354