Optimal capacitor placement for enhancing voltage stability in distribution systems using analytical algorithm and Fuzzy-Real Coded GA

Abstract

Two algorithms for optimal capacitor placement, with a view to enhance voltage stability are introduced. In the analytical algorithm the nodes, whose voltage stability index values are lower than a threshold value, are ranked in ascending order as the candidate nodes for compensation. The additional reactive power compensation to be provided at a node is obtained by solving linearized VSI formula. The maximum compensation at each node is limited to the initial reactive power delivered by the respective node prior to compensation for avoiding over-dimensioning of the capacitor banks. However, capacitor placement based on voltage stability index has proven less than satisfactory and not always indicated the appropriate placement.As an alternative a fuzzy expert system is used for extracting suitability of capacitor location from power loss reduction index and improving the voltage profile within voltage constraints. A combination of fuzzy expert system for capacitor placement and real coded GA for capacitor sizing, with a view to enhance voltage stability is proposed for optimal capacitor placement. The result is enhancement of the overall system stability index and potential achievement of maximum net money savings due to power and energy loss reduction vs. expenditure in capacitors.The overall accuracy and reliability of the proposed Fuzzy-Real Coded GA algorithm has been validated and tested on 33-node radial distribution system. Comparison of obtained results with those in recent publications showed that the Fuzzy-Real Coded GA algorithm is capable of producing high-quality solutions with good performance of convergence, and demonstrated viability.