A Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Model for Simultaneous Optimal Reconfiguration and Optimal Placement of Capacitor Banks in Distribution Networks

Optimal capacitor placement and network reconfiguration are well-known methods to minimize losses, enhance reliability, improve the voltage profile of electric distribution networks (EDNs). Distribution (DNR) consists altering system topology by changing states ties sectionalizing switches, while optimal capacitors (OPCAs) involves sizing finding location banks within for reactive power control. DNR OPCAs challenging optimization problems involving both integer continuous decision variables. Due nature these (combinatorial problems), most approaches that deal with resort metaheuristic techniques, they limited applications in small-size networks. Although techniques have proven be effective when dealing non-convex problems, their main drawbacks lie fact require fine-tuning several parameters do not guarantee a globally solution. This paper presents mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model solve simultaneous radial The proposed can solved commercially available software; it guarantees obtain solutions requires low computational effort compared employed same purpose. Several tests were carried out on seven benchmark EDNs ranging from 33 417 buses. In all cases, methodology was able replicate results reported specialized literature. Regarding alone, novel solution found 119-bus test which is 1.86 % better than previously Furthermore, new medium large-size EDNs. loss reduction ranged 21.12 68.93 evidencing positive impact approach