Efficient Optimal Sizing And Allocation Of Capacitors In Radial Distribution Systems Using Drdlf And Differential Evolution

A distribution system is an interface between the bulk power system and the consumers. The radial distribution system is popular among these because of its low cost and simple design. The voltage instability in the power system is characterized by a monotonic voltage drop, which is slow at first and becomes abrupt after some time when the system is unable to meet the increasing power demand. Therefore to overcome these problems capacitors are used. The installation of the shunt capacitors on the radial distribution system is essential for power flow control, improving system stability, pf correction, voltage profile management and losses minimization. But the placement of the capacitors with appropriate size is always a challenge. Therefore for this purpose, in this paper along with Differential Evolution (DE) Algorithm, Dimension Reducing Distribution Load Flow (DRDLF) is used. This load flow identifies the location of the capacitors and the Differential Algorithm determines the size of the capacitors such that the cost of the energy loss and the capacitor to be minimum. In this problem the installation cost of the capacitors is also included. The above method is tested on IEEE 69 bus system and was found to be better compared to other methods like Genetic Algorithm and PSO. Index Terms — Electrical Distribution Network, Optimal Capacitors Placement, Dimension reducing distribution load flow (DRDLF), Differential Evolution (DE) Algorithm.