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The balancing of supplied energy to energy demand is often very challenging due to unstable power supply and demand load. This challenge causes the level of performance of distribution networks to be lower than expected. Research has however, shown the role of demand response (DR) on the performance of power networks. This work investigates the influence of DR, in the presence of incorporated renewable energy, on technical loss reduction, reliability, environment, energy saved and incentives paid to consumers with the help of PSAT and AIMMS software. Results from simulation have shown that the introduction of renewable energy into a Ghanaian distribution network coupled with implementing the proposed DR improves total energy supply by 9.8% at a corresponding operation cost reduction of 72.79%. The GHG and technical loss reduced by 27.26% and 10.09% respectively. The total energy saving is about 105kWh and 5,394.86kWh, for domestic and commercial loading profiles, respectively. Incentives received by consumers range between 45.14% and 58.55% more than that enjoyed, without renewable energy, by domestic and commercial consumers. The utility benefit also increased by 76.96% and 67.31% for domestic and commercial loads than that without renewable energy. Network reliability improves with implementation of DR. However, the reliability of a grid-connected network is better with a diesel generator only than with the integration of renewable energy. The power distribution companies, therefore, need to consider the implementation of incentive-based demand response program.

Purpose: This article provides available information on the role of distributed generation (DG) in the performance of a power distribution network.   Design/methodology/approach: The study reviewed articles about available methods for reducing technical losses in electrical distribution networks. The second step involved studying various researchers' views on renewable energy in some developing countries for introducing DG into a distribution network. The influence of DG on the economic performance of a distribution network. Finally, the study scouted for available information on the implementation of a demand response (DR) program on the performance of a distribution network in the presence of DG. Findings: Available information reveals that the reliability of DG for reducing the technical losses in a distribution network is higher than relying on alternating current controllers. There are indications of renewable energies in developing countries for introducing DG into a distribution network. According to the articles reviewed, the approach for the optimal location of DG did not include the combination of the voltage stability index and power loss reduction index. It is also worth considering using the power system analysis toolbox (PSAT) for DG sitting. The economic influence of DG on a distribution network's performance has not been evaluated based on the technical loss, generation cost, emission cost and reliability. It is also worth considering the benefits of demand response programs in the presence of DG. Research limitation: The review concentrated mainly on DG's influence in reducing technical loss. Articles relating to the effect of DG on other distribution network technical issues such as voltage stability, harmonics etc. also require attention Practical implications: Distribution network performance is essential for the operation of electrical gadgets. Therefore, improved distribution network performance will result in the economic development of a country. Originality/Value: This paper provides the platform that stimulates interest in using DG to improve the distribution network performance.

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Purpose This research studies the impact of introducing distributed generators (DGs) into a distribution network. The aim of this paper is to optimally site DGs based on economic, environmental and reliability indices are presented. Design/methodology/approach The considered network was modelled by using the network’s line parameters and capacity of the load bus with the help of Power System Analysis Toolbox. The location of the DG is based on voltage stability index and power loss reduction index. The DG energy sources considered are the diesel generator, solar photo-voltaic (PV) and wind generator, and the objectives were to minimize cumulative cost while maximizing reliability of the network. The Advanced Interactive Multidimensional Modelling System was used for the mathematical modelling. Findings The obtained results in the cases of introducing renewable energy into a network improves network performance. The benefits of renewable energy on the distribution network measured in terms of electricity production cost, gas emission cost, fuel cost and value of energy not supplied were positive. The research also showed that the total benefit of renewable energy reduces as the price of the renewable generators increases. Originality/value This paper introduces a new approach to determining the optimal location of DG for reducing line losses and improved voltage profile. A new cost modelling function based on external grid power transfer cost, technical losses and cost because of the various energies source is also introduced.