Optimal Placement of Capacitors in Radial Distribution System to Minimizes the Losses at Variable Load Levels

Abstract

This paper presents an efficient approach for optimal placement of capacitor in radial distribution system, with an objective of improving the voltage profile and reduction of power loss. Distribution system is a link between high voltage transmission system and the low voltage end users, so it’s very essential to keep the system healthy and with minimum losses. The present work is devoted to determine the optimal locations and sizes of capacitors with different load levels using a genetic algorithm. Implementation of the Genetic Algorithm for its multifunction capability is one of the distinguished characteristics for optimal capacitor placement in distribution system. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, it is tested on IEEE 33-bus radial distribution networks.