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This paper presents a new planning approach based on voltage stability index (VSI) together with improved loss minimization (LM) formulations. The method has employed for application of distributed generation (DG) unit placement (location and size) in a loop (configured) test distribution network (LDN). Initially, VSI relationship for equivalent loop model has employed to find out potential locations for DG placement in LDN. Later, loss minimization formulations and loss minimization conditions (LMC) have been derived on the basis of an equivalent electrical model of LDN, for single and two DGs operating at various power factors, respectively. The proposed approach is comprised of two variants and has demonstrated on the 69-bus test distribution network. The first planning variant as a single case has applied for DG allocation (location, size, number) in LDN under normal load. Similarly, the second planning variant has demonstrated with three cases (six scenarios per case), evaluated under normal load and impact of load growth (across five years), respectively. The proposed approach has analyzed in terms of various performance indicators and results obtained have compared and found in close agreement with existed works in literature. Simulation results verify the validity of the proposed planning approach and establish that LDN performs better than radial distribution network from the perspective of load growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart grids (SGs), as an emerging grid modernization concept, is spreading across diverse research areas for revolutionizing power systems. SGs realize new key concepts with intelligent technologies, maximizing achieved objectives and addressing critical issues that are limited in conventional grids. The SG modernization is more noticeable at the distribution grid level. Thus, the transformation of the traditional distribution network (DN) into an intelligent one, is a vital dimension of SG research. Since future DNs are expected to be interconnected in nature and operation, hence traditional planning methods and tools may no longer be applicable. In this paper, the smart distribution network (SDN) concept under the SG paradigm, has presented and reviewed from the planning perspective. Also, developments in the SDN planning process have been surveyed on the basis of SG package (SGP). The package presents a SDN planning foundation via major SG-enabling technologies (SGTF), anticipated functionalities (SGAF), new consumption models (MDC) as potential SDN candidates, associated policies and pilot projects and multi-objective planning (MOP) as a real-world optimization problem. In addition, the need for an aggregated SDN planning model has also been highlighted. The paper discusses recent notable related works, implementation activities, various issues/challenges and potential future research directions; all aiming at SDN planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]