Optimal multi-objective placement and sizing of passive and active power filters by a fuzzy-improved harmony search algorithm

Abstract

Summary In this paper, the authors present a new method for simultaneous optimal placement and sizing (PLAS) of the passive power filters (PPFs) and active power filters (APFs) with acceptable standard levels. Total harmonic distortion of voltage, total harmonic distortion of current, harmonic transmission line loss and total cost of installed PPFs and APFs are the four objectives considered in the optimization, while individual and total harmonic distortion, fundamental reactive power compensation, parallel and series resonance, detuning of the PPFs and maximum allowable APF size are satisfied with predetermined trust levels. The proposed model is one of the non-convex optimization problems having a non-linear mixed-integer nature. Hence, a new improved harmony search algorithm (IHSA) is used and followed by a fuzzy satisfying method in order to obtain the final optimal solution. The IHSA is a recently developed optimization algorithm which imitates the music improvisation process. In this process, the Harmonists improvise their instrument pitches searching for the perfect state of harmony. The newly developed method has been implemented on the IEEE 18-bus test system by three cases to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Simulation results illustrate the sufficiency and profitableness of the newly developed method in the PLAS of the multiple passive and APFs, when compared with other methods. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.