Optimal placement and sizing of shunt capacitors in distorted distribution systems using a hybrid algorithm

Abstract

In this paper, a novel hybrid phasor particle swarm optimization and gravitational search algorithm, namely the hybrid PPSOGSA algorithm, is proposed to find the optimal size and location of shunt capacitors in distribution systems with non-linear loads. The performance of PPSOGSA are studied and evaluated using the IEEE 9- and 85-bus test systems with the objective of minimizing the total annual cost of the system. The procedure is conducted taking into account effects of harmonic distortion and discrete size of capacitors available in the market. Simulation results are compared with those obtained by other optimization techniques, and verified using the Electrical Transient Analysis Program (ETAP). It was established that that the hybrid PPSOGSA algorithm provides better solutions in terms of convergence and accuracy.