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In this paper, we present a strategy for integrating photovoltaic systems into power distribution networks to improve the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of these networks. Taking into account variations in photovoltaic generation and energy demand, the proposed strategy uses a mathematical model that is subject to the technical and operational constraints of the system under analysis. The proposed strategy employs a master–slave methodology based on metaheuristic algorithms, in which the master stage determines the optimal locations for the photovoltaic generators and the slave stage estimates the optimal power injection. We proposed three different configurations of the methodology, each using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm for the slave stage and the following algorithms for the master stage: the Chu and Beasley's Genetic Algorithm (CBGA), the Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm, and the PSO algorithm. These proposed configurations were evaluated in two test scenarios tailored to the characteristics of two regions in Colombia. This allowed us to analyze the impact of the methodologies on grid-connected (urban network) and off-grid systems (rural network). According to the results, the configuration that used two PSO algorithms achieved the most favorable outcomes in the urban scenario, reducing energy losses by 32.88%, operating costs by 42.41%, and pollutant gas emissions by 40.37%. Similarly, the same configuration obtained the best results in the rural scenario, reducing energy losses by 22.12%, operating costs by 43.35%, and pollutant gas emissions by 41.94%. These results were obtained in a typical day of operation for each system. • A strategy for integrating photovoltaic energy into distribution electrical grids. • The strategy assesses distributed generation's impact on urban and rural grids. • 32.88% urban, 22.12% rural electrical loss reductions. • 42.41% urban, 43.35% rural operating cost reductions achieved • 40.37% urban, 41.94% rural CO 2 emission reductions achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper presents a review about microgrids around the world, particularly analyzing cases installed in rural areas as a solution to the energy access problem in isolated areas. On the one hand, the Colombian case is presented with the aim to describe and analyze the two main problems affecting the electric system in the country: the coverage of electric infrastructure and the energy supply due to El Niño phenomenon. On the other hand, the paper includes the solutions implemented by the national government installing microgrids. Finally, the subsidies offered in Colombia and other countries are shown, giving a comprehensive description of the productive potential of renewable energy, the current legislation and regulations in the country for FNCE promotion (Non-Conventional Energy Sources), and the incorporation to the SIN (National Interconnected System), proposing that there should be focus on training, research and implementation of microgrids in order to allow their deployment in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The negative environmental impacts associated to the use of large hydropower plants have helped to focus the attention on small-scale plants, which reduce these impacts considerably. In Colombia, there is an important potential for the implementation of both, large and small-scale hydropower projects, which has been exploited mostly in large plants. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the present situation of small hydropower (SHP) in Colombia, including current installed capacity and existing potential of hydro-energy resources. In addition, the paper presents the barriers that hinder the proliferation of SHP in the country, the main perspectives for future developments and the corresponding conclusions of the analysis performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the classical problem of optimal location and sizing of distributed generators (DGs) in radial distribution networks by presenting a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model. To solve such model, we employ the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) in conjunction with the BONMIN solver, presenting its characteristics in a tutorial style. To operate all the DGs, we assume they are dispatched with a unity power factor. Test systems with 33 and 69 buses are employed to validate the proposed solution methodology by comparing its results with multiple approaches previously reported in the specialized literature. A 27-node test system is also used for locating photovoltaic (PV) sources considering the power capacity of the Caribbean region in Colombia during a typical sunny day. Numerical results confirm the efficiency and accuracy of the MINLP model and its solution is validated through the GAMS package. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]