Optimal Conductor Size Selection in Distribution Systems with Wind Power Generation

Optimal conductor size selection is an important part of the distribution system planning process. Wind power generators installed in the distribution systems have unknown operating cycle and undergo different scenarios according to the wind speed time variation characteristics. This randomness increases the complexity of many of the existing distribution systems planning practices. This chapter proposes a probabilistic approach for conductor sizing in electric power distribution systems in the presence of wind power generators. The objective function developed to determine the optimum conductor profile strikes a balance between the conductor cost and the cost of energy and power losses. Voltage constraints and thermal loading capacity of the conductors are also incorporated. In the proposed approach, the probabilistic evaluation of a solution related to the behavior of the wind power generators is embedded in Genetic Algorithm engine for the search of the optimal conductor planning solutions. The performance of the proposed approach is assessed and illustrated by case studies on typical test distribution systems.