This research addresses the critical challenge of power loss in distribution systems caused by increasing electricity demand. It focuses on reducing power losses and enhancing voltage profiles in a radial distribution system through the optimal placement of capacitors and solar PV. The project employs comprehensive analysis and optimization techniques, including forward and backward sweep algorithms for load flow analysis and Genetic Algorithm (GA) in MATLAB. The performance of the distribution system is evaluated by considering parameters such as power loss and voltage characteristics. Simulation results on an IEEE 33-bus radial distribution network validate significant improvements after various configurations, including the base case, capacitor case, DG case, and combined DG and capacitor case. In each scenario, active power losses are reduced, reactive power loss diminishes, and voltage profile enhancements are observed. The study further validates these results using ETAP software, ensuring consistency and reliability. Notable improvements are also observed in the Thimi Sallaghari 11KV feeder, showcasing potential practical implementations in real feeders in the future. Different case scenarios are explored for the number of capacitors and DGs, providing insights into the optimal combination for enhanced distribution system performance.
Read full abstract