Optimization modeling of hybrid DG systems

Abstract Advances in energy systems, regulations, and policies urge the development of hybrid distributed generation (DG). There is an increasing interest in distributed generation due to the several challenges facing the generation of electricity in large central power stations. This small-scale electricity generation has seen an evolution in the last few years. It is an environmentally friendly and reliable generation source that provides power quality. However, with all the potential benefits that DG provides, it still faces many challenges such as financial cost, impact on power quality, and connection issues. Yet, various economic, technical, and regulatory concerns arise while integrating these resources into the exciting network. It can have both positive and negative impacts on the distribution system. Reduced losses and voltage drop are considered the positive impacts of this integration. The negative effects include power and voltage fluctuation, reverse power flow, voltage rise, fault current, harmonics, islanding, and flicker issues. This chapter first introduces the factors behind the evolution of distributed electricity generation and reviews its benefits and different types. It also presents the challenges facing the development of DG. Further, it reviews the different optimization techniques of hybrid on-grid and off-grid DG systems.