Analysis of the Effect of Capacitor Placements at High and Low Voltage Transformer Sides as Voltage Profile and Total Cost in Distribution Systems

Abstract

This study mentions the problem of determining optimal placements and sizes for capacitor banks by comparing different schemes that allow implemented buses at both high and low voltage side, only high voltage side or low voltage side of transformers in distribution systems. Criterions evaluated for each scheme are active and reactive power losses in whole system, voltage value at all buses, installation and operation cost and accumulative profit saving. Standard with and without transformer branches in distribution systems and Newton-Raphson method are introduced to make clear about the way to analyze power flows in whole system. Optimal placements and sizes for capacitor banks are determined by using a proposed algorithm and optimal capacitor placement tool in ETAP software. Simulation results can help to show the comparisons, evaluations and make decision about optimal capacitor placements and sizes. The contribution shows the best scheme that install capacitors at low voltage side of transformers because it has the lowest implemented capacity, highest economic factors while voltage quality is always in allowable range. Achieved results can be applied in any distribution system, help managers have overall review and decide optimal placements and sizes for capacitor banks. Keywords: Capacitor bank, OCP Tool, ETAP software, Optimal placement, Optimal size, Voltage quality, Optimal cost.