Recent research led by Oscar Danilo Montoya from the Grupo de Compatibilidad e Interferencia Electromagnética at the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas in Bogotá has unveiled a promising method for optimizing the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and distribution static compensators (D-STATCOMs) in medium-voltage networks. This study, published in the journal Results in Engineering, highlights the potential for significant improvements in energy distribution efficiency and reliability.
The research employs a novel approach known as the generalized normal distribution optimizer (GNDO), which effectively identifies the best locations and sizes for PV systems and D-STATCOMs within existing power networks. By using a discrete-continuous codification process, the GNDO not only determines optimal placements but also enhances the overall power flow in the system. This is particularly important as the demand for renewable energy sources continues to rise, and the need for stable and efficient power distribution becomes increasingly critical.
Montoya’s team utilized a master-slave optimization strategy that combines the GNDO with a power flow method based on successive approximations. This innovative combination allows for a more efficient assessment of technical characteristics such as voltage profiles and power injections. The results from testing on 33- and 69-bus grids showed that the GNDO outperformed traditional algorithms, including the vortex search algorithm (VSA) and the sine-cosine algorithm (SCA), demonstrating reductions in operational costs by approximately 35.6%.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector. By optimizing the integration of solar PV and D-STATCOMs, utilities can enhance grid stability and reduce operational costs. This can lead to lower energy prices for consumers and increased investment in renewable energy technologies. Furthermore, the reduced computational efforts required to find optimal solutions mean that energy companies can implement these strategies more quickly and cost-effectively.
As the energy landscape evolves, Montoya’s findings provide a clear pathway for utilities and energy providers looking to modernize their infrastructure while embracing sustainable practices. The research not only advances the technical understanding of power distribution but also opens up commercial opportunities for companies involved in renewable energy and grid management.
In summary, the GNDO approach presents a compelling solution for integrating solar energy into medium-voltage networks, promising both economic and operational benefits. As Montoya notes, the study “demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach” in enhancing the performance of energy systems. As the industry moves towards smarter and greener energy solutions, this research could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy distribution.
