Optimization of total investment cost of solar distribution network

Abstract

. The position of the PV generator and the electrical cables sections influence the whole cost of installation during the operation life of a network. The aim of our work is to find the number of the solar generators, and the optimal location for installing them in order to optimize the total investment cost of a distribution network. In this paper, we will discuss the methods that we have developed to optimize this cost, and study the influence of cables cross sections, the number and the locations of the generators on the optimization. We have proposed three methods: -The gravity center method to optimize the volume of copper taking into account only the voltage drop sections. -The method of the minimum copper volume center, to optimize the same cost but taking into account all the technical sections and the economic sections. -The method of the minimum cost center to optimize the overall investment cost using the optimal sections. After that, we have studied the influence of the number of the generators on the optimization using the method of minimum cost center. The use of MATLAB software has helped us to verify and confirm our results.