Optimal Capacitor Sizing and Siting in a Radial Distribution System Using Particle Swam Optimization Algorithm

Capacitors play a crucial role in power systems by reducing losses and enhancing voltage profiles. Ensuring optimal sizing and strategic placement of these capacitors is essential for minimizing system losses and improving voltage stability. Voltage instability is a significant factor contributing to poor power quality in power systems. Furthermore, distribution systems with a high resistance-to-reactance (R/X) ratio experience considerable losses, with approximately 10-13% of the total generated power being dissipated as heat. In this paper, a two-stage method for the determination of the optimal size and site of capacitors is presented. Initially, Loss Sensitivity Analysis is utilized to identify the most suitable candidate nodes. Subsequently, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed in order to determine the optimal size and location(s) at which to place the capacitors. This approach was validated on IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 69-bus test networks, and then applied to a 30-bus Electrical Distribution Network (EDN). The results demonstrated an overall voltage profile improvement of 5.26% and a power loss reduction of 13.495% on the 30-bus EDN.