Genetic Algorithm to Determine Location and Size of Distributed Generation and Capacitor Bank at ULP Sungguminasa

In the past decade, research innovations related to the utilization of renewable energy technology, particularly DG, have significantly advanced as a power supply that enhances service efficiency to consumers. It is economical, and environmentally friendly. RDS is a network topology widely used in the electrical distribution systems in Indonesia. Although RDS is highly economical, it has several weaknesses. The larger the distribution network served by a single substation is, the further the distance for some feeders is, which results in decreasing bus voltage levels. Capacitor banks are reactive power compensation devices capable of increasing bus voltage levels. The electrical distribution system under the Sungguminasa ULP has complex load characteristics, considering the location and the load size on each feeder. This research aims to optimize the placement and sizing of DG and capacitors, both individually and simultaneously, by using the GA method on the Sungguminasa ULP 165-bus RDS. The objective function focuses on improving system performance by maximizing the difference between the initial power loss and the power loss after installation within predetermined constraints. Based on several simulation scenarios using MATLAB 2021b programming, the simultaneous placement of 2 DG units and 2 Capacitor Banks reduces losses by 86.48% or 272.68 kW and increases the bus voltage level by an average of 2.535% or 0.504 kV. The results of this research are expected to provide recommendations to the relevant industry in optimizing service and sustainability for consumers.