A New Approach for Planning a Hybrid AC/DC Distribution Network Using Gray Wolf Optimization Algorithm

In this paper, the Gray Wolf Optimization Algorithm (GWO) will be used for planning a hybrid AC/DC distribution network, and results from the economical and technical point of view will be compared to those of conventional methods, such as Genetic Algorithm (GA). In the proposed model, the objective function is to minimize the Net Present Value (NPV) of the optimal solution. The planning will be done for an empty area, which already doesn’t have any distribution network, at the LV level. In the proposed method, the buses and feeders of the network could be AC or DC. Also, there are AC and DC load points and Distributed Generations (DGs) in the planning area. It should be mentioned that in this paper, the uncertainty of load demand and production of DGs has been regarded. Finally, after planning the distribution network as a pure AC and a hybrid AC/DC configuration for a 14-bus test network, NPV, loss of system and the convergence time of the GWO algorithm will be compared to ones from GA, and advantages of the prior will be shown.