Mitigating Phase Imbalance in Distribution Networks with Optimal DSTATCOM Placement using Hybrid Bacteria Foraging and Cuckoo Search Algorithm

This research presents the optimal placement and sizing of a Distribution Static Compensator (DSTATCOM) on the 11 kV Malali feeder for phase balancing, power loss reduction, and voltage profile improvement. The study addresses challenges of voltage imbalance and excessive power losses common in unbalanced radial distribution networks. A hybrid optimization approach combining the Bacterial Foraging Optimization (BFO) and Cuckoo Search Optimization (CSO) algorithms was developed to determine the location and reactive power injection of the DSTATCOM. The 11 kV Malali feeder, modeled in MATLAB R2023b using the forward–backward sweep load flow method, served as the test network. Simulation results showed that Bus 15 was the most effective location for DSTATCOM placement. The hybrid BFO–CSO algorithm achieved a 75.7% reduction in real power loss, a 90.7% reduction in reactive power loss, and a 10.2% improvement in voltage profile, raising the minimum bus voltage from 0.889 p.u. to 0.98 p.u. The results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid optimization technique provides superior performance compared to standalone algorithms, achieving improved voltage stability, minimized losses, and enhanced phase balance in distribution networks. The study concludes that the hybrid BFO–CSO approach is an effective tool for multi-objective optimization in power distribution systems.