| Abstract: | Capacitor placement problem is a non-linear and nondifferentiable
mixed integer optimization problem
with a set of equality and inequality constraints. Most
conventional optimization techniques are incapable to
solve this hard combinatorial problem. The radial
distribution systems are unbalanced because of
single-phase, two-phase and three-phase loads. Thus,
load flow solution for balance radial distribution
networks will not be sufficient to solve the
unbalanced case and, hence, special treatment is
required for solving such networks. Optimal capacitor
placement can result in system loss reduction, power
factor correction, voltage profile improvement, and
feeder capacity release. In this paper, Particle Swarm
Optimization (PSO) based approach is used to
achieve optimal capacitor placement for balanced and
unbalanced radial distribution systems. The size of
capacitors can be determined by using particle swarm
optimization algorithm. In this fitness function is to
maximize the net savings. In order to obtain the
fitness values, load flow calculations has to be carried
and capacitor placement is almost certain that better
loss reduction can be obtained. The proposed solution
method employs to search for optimal locations,
types, and sizes of capacitors to be placed and
optimal numbers of switched capacitor banks at
different load levels. The proposed approach has been
implemented and tested on various test systems with
promising results.
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