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Research Article |

Energy Storage System Optimal Allocation for Improving Microgrid Operation

Author(s): Hager A. Elwelily1*, Sayed H. A. El-Banna2,3, Mahmoud A. El-Dabah3

Published In : International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Research (IJEER)        Volume 14, Issue 2

Publisher : FOREX Publication

Published : 30 June 2026

e-ISSN : 2347-470X

Page(s) : 526-541

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37391/IJEER.140228

Abstract

The rapid expansion of microgrids (MGs) is driven by the need to meet growing electricity demand sustainably through high penetration of renewable energy resources (RERs). However, the intermittency of RERs introduces significant operational uncertainty, making energy storage systems (ESSs) essential for reliable MG operation. The ESS planning problem is formulated as a constrained optimization model that incorporates power balance, battery capacity limits, and technical and operational constraints of MGs. Because it offers a viable solution, this study investigates the optimal method to allocate ESSs (batteries) using metaheuristic optimization techniques. In this work, the newly proposed Walrus Optimizer (WO) approach, which shows promising results, is used. A modified IEEE 33-bus distribution test system is employed as the benchmark. The performance of the WO is compared with five established metaheuristics: Detective Behavior Algorithm (DBA), Stochastic Social Learning Optimization (SSLO), Improved Grey Wolf Optimizer (I-GWO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Genetic Algorithm (GA). All of these algorithms aspire to reduce power losses, boost voltage profiles, and enhance overall efficiency, reliability, stability, and operational cost reduction. Simulation results show that the WO-based framework yields a 53.56% reduction in total system power losses. Moreover, it strengthens the weakest bus voltage to 0.9803 p.u., improves the voltage stability index (VSI) to 1.0201 p.u., and accomplish a cost reduction of 10.74%, outperforming other competitive algorithms. The results demonstrate the originality and effectiveness of the WO for optimal ESS integration in RER-dominated MGs, providing an encouraging tool for enhancing voltage stability, reducing losses, and supporting reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective MG operation.

Keywords: Microgrid, Energy Storage System, Intermittency Mitigation, Voltage Profile, Power Loss, Walrus Optimizer.




Hager A. Elwelily, Electrical Power and Machines Department, International Academy for Engineering and Media Science, Giza, Egypt; Email: hager.ashraf.sobhey@iaems.edu.eg

Sayed H. A. El-Banna,Electrical Engineering Department, Al-Jazeera Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Email: sayedelbanna@hotmail.com

Sayed H. A. El-Banna,Electrical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt; Email: dr_mdabah@azhar.edu.eg

Mahmoud A. El-Dabah, Electrical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt; Email: dr_mdabah@azhar.edu.eg

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Hager A. Elwelily, Sayed H. A. El-Banna, and Mahmoud A. El-Dabah(2026), Energy Storage System Optimal Allocation for Improving Microgrid Operation. IJEER 14(2), 526-541. DOI: 10.37391/IJEER.140228.