Multi Objective Optimization Framework to Provide Reactive Power Support to the Local Distribution Grid Using a Heuristic Approach.

Abstract

Reactive power support to the local distribution grid becomes mandatory as it highly impacts the network's voltage profile and active power loss. Reactive power support improves the performance and efficiency of the grid. However, higher compensation to the line increases losses, deteriorates the voltage profile, and occupies the investment cost. The location of these reactive power compensators (RPC) also influences the network's performance. This paper presents a multi-objective strategy for optimal reactive power compensation to get techno-economic benefits. An objective function, which includes technical and economic criteria, has been formulated. The proposed MOF includes weighted distributed objectives that are minimized to get a trade-off solution. The proposed MOF has been minimized using three different heuristic algorithms, i.e. TLBO, GA and PSO. The proposed strategy has been tested on 56 buses 11 KV Gurukul distribution network located at Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. NR load flow has been utilized to investigate losses and bus voltages.