Using Heuristic Algorithms in the Placement of Capacitors and Distributed Generation Systems to Reduce Losses and Voltage Variations in Energy Distribution Systems

Nowadays, continuous studies are carried out for the development and improvement of electricity distribution networks. In order to minimize the losses in distribution networks and to reduce the voltage drops, distributed generation systems (DG) and capacitors are placed in the distribution system. In this study, the optimum positions and capacities of DGs and capacitors to be placed in the distribution network were determined in order to reduce the network losses in the distribution system and the voltage deviation of the system. For this purpose, heuristic optimization algorithms such as PSO, ABC and SFS were used. The proposed method was programmed in MATLAB and tested in a 34-bus standard IEEE distribution system. The results show that the optimum distribution of DGs or capacitors with equal total capacities to two different buses rather than connecting them to one bus affects the system more positively. By using these algorithms, a decrease of up to 36.66% in the active power loss and 31.36% in the voltage deviation of the system after the placement of the capacitor and DG was achieved. Although the algorithms give similar results, it is understood that SFS can be more successful than other algorithms with the best starting value and fewer iterations.