Optimal Capacitor Allocation in Radial Distribution Networks Using a Combined Optimization Approach

摘要

In this article, a combined optimization approach (COA) based on Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) and loss sensitivity indices is proposed to determine the optimal allocation of shunt capacitors (SCs) in radial distribution networks (RDNs). SSA is considered a new efficient optimization algorithm. However, COA is mainly based on three-stage procedures that reduce the search space and the total computation time is reduced. In the first stage, two loss sensitivity factors called voltage loss sensitivity factor (VLSF) and reactive power loss sensitivity factor (QLSF) are employed to select the candidate buses. Then, these candidate buses are normalized (the buses with voltage magnitudes greater than 1.01 p.u. are eliminated from search space. Finally, the SSA optimization code is used to determine the optimal siting and size of SCs after candidate buses normalization. In this study, the minimization of power loss and energy cost are taken as objective functions. The proposed algorithm is validated using different standard distribution systems such as, 69-bus, 85-bus test systems. In addition, the application of the COA is applied on real radial distribution system of the East Delta Network (EDN) as a part of the unified Egyptian network. However, the numerical experiments proved that the proposed algorithm can generate optimal solutions for losses reduction and capacitor allocations with quality better than many existing optimization algorithms.