Optimal Placement of UPQC in Distribution Network Using Hybrid Approach

Abstract

This study represents a power quality enhancement approach using a new hybrid algorithm which merges both Path Finder Algorithm (PFA) and Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) for determining the precise position and sizing of a unified power quality conditioner (UPQC). For this optimal selection, the adopted model named as Grey Wolf Insisted Inertia-based Path finder Algorithm is used. To determine the best location of the UPQC device, the suggested model focuses on the cost of UPQC, power losses, and voltage stability index. Further, the presented concept was implemented using IEEE 69 and IEEE 33 bus networks and the proposed model’s performance was compared to that of other traditional approaches with respect to minimum fitness value. Accordingly, for a 50% loading scenario, the proposed model is 0.30%, 0.20%, 0.348%, 0.277%, and 0.105% better than PF, GWO, GM-DA, DA, and GA schemes. Likewise, in convergence analysis for 100th iteration, the suggested approach reaches the least value of 536.80. Therefore, it is evident that the proposed PF-GWO algorithm is more efficient than existing models with lower convergence rates. Thus, it is concluded that the proposed model achieves power quality enhancement for the optimal location and sizing of UPQC in power systems.