Solving a novel multiobjective placement problem of recloser and distributed generation sources in simultaneous mode by improved harmony search algorithm

This article deals with optimal placement of Distributed Generation (DG) sources and recloser in simultaneous mode and develops an improved harmony search (iHS) algorithm to solve it. For this, two important control parameters have been adjusted to reach better solution from simple HS algorithm to obtain better solution from simple HS algorithm. The proposed multiobjective function consists of two parts; first is improving reliability indices and second is minimizing power loss. The reliability indices have been selected based on satisfactory requirements of costumer and electric company as well as response to transient and permanent faults. Then, four reliability indices has been used in objective function; that is, system average interruption duration index (SAIDI), cost of energy not supplied, momentary average interruption frequency index, and system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI). Simulation has been performed on a practical distribution network in North West of Iran. Three scenarios have been introduced; that is, scenario (i) First, placement of DGs, and then recloser, scenario (ii) First, placement of recloser, and then DG, and scenario (iii) simultaneous placement of DG and recloser. Also, three cases are defined based on the number of used DG and recloser. Results of the proposed algorithm have been compared with related values of particle swarm optimization and simple HS algorithms. The core contribution of the presented study is introducing several novel indices to analyze and discuss the obtained results from simulation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 328–339, 2015