Energies, Vol. 18, Pages 4180: Enhancing the Performance of Active Distribution Grids: A Review Using Metaheuristic Techniques

Energies, Vol. 18, Pages 4180: Enhancing the Performance of Active Distribution Grids: A Review Using Metaheuristic Techniques

Energies doi: 10.3390/en18154180

Authors:
Jesús Daniel Dávalos Soto
Daniel Guillen
Luis Ibarra
José Ezequiel Santibañez-Aguilar
Jesús Elias Valdez-Resendiz
Juan Avilés
Meng Yen Shih
Antonio Notholt

The electrical power system is composed of three essential sectors, generation, transmission, and distribution, with the latter being crucial for the overall efficiency of the system. Enhancing the capabilities of active distribution networks involves integrating various advanced technologies such as distributed generation units, energy storage systems, banks of capacitors, and electric vehicle chargers. This paper provides an in-depth review of the primary strategies for incorporating these technologies into the distribution network to improve its reliability, stability, and efficiency. It also explores the principal metaheuristic techniques employed for the optimal allocation of distributed generation units, banks of capacitors, energy storage systems, electric vehicle chargers, and network reconfiguration. These techniques are essential for effectively integrating these technologies and optimizing the active distribution network by enhancing power quality and voltage level, reducing losses, and ensuring operational indices are maintained at optimal levels.