A Comprehensive Multi-objective Optimization Framework for Balanced Distribution System Planning

This paper proposes a novel multi-objective optimization framework for balanced distribution system planning, based on the allocation and sizing of distributed energy resources (DERs) and capacitor banks (CBs), along with static network reconfiguration. Each individual strategy, involving DERs, CBs, and network reconfiguration, is systematically performed and compared across all possible combinations, with the purpose of expanding the multi-objective search space in terms of overall cost, voltage deviation, and power losses. In this study, daily variations and uncertainties in DERs generation and load are introduced into the optimization problem formulation through Monte Carlo simulations. The Multi-objective Cuckoo Search and the Fuzzy Decision-making Method are adopted to solve the multi-objective optimization problem. Finally, tests conducted on the three-phase balanced 33, 69, and 136-bus distribution systems demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach in minimizing costs, reducing voltage deviation, and mitigating power losses.