article · IET Generation Transmission & Distribution
A two-stage optimisation procedure determines the ideal placement and sizing of capacitors in radial electrical distribution networks. The first stage uses loss sensitivity analysis with two specific indices to pinpoint candidate locations. The second stage applies an ant colony optimisation algorithm to select the exact sites and sizes, aiming to minimise energy losses and capacitor expenses while fulfilling all operational system constraints. Load flow calculations rely on a backward/forward sweep algorithm. The framework evaluates fixed, practical switched, and combined capacitor configurations. Testing on 34-bus and 85-bus standard systems, as well as a real network segment from the East Delta Network in Egypt, demonstrates significant reductions in total system costs. The approach delivers accurate, efficient, and competitive performance compared with existing techniques, showing particular strengths as distribution networks expand in size.
Electrical distribution systems experience substantial energy losses and voltage fluctuations during power delivery. By determining the optimal sizes and locations for capacitors, utility operators can reduce these operational losses, maintain voltage stability, and lower equipment expenditure. This improves the overall efficiency and reliability of electricity supply on both standard and real-world electrical grids.
The method is designed for distribution system operators and electrical utility planners seeking to cut energy losses and capital expenditure. Tested on both standard benchmarks and real operational data from the East Delta Network in Egypt, the underlying optimisation procedure operates at an applied research stage. It could be integrated into grid planning software to assist network engineers in configuring switched and fixed capacitor installations.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
This study presents a two‐stage procedure to identify the optimal locations and sizes of capacitors in radial distribution systems. In first stage, the loss sensitivity analysis using two loss sensitivity indices (LSIs) is employed to select the most candidate capacitors locations. In second stage, the ant colony optimisation algorithm is investigated to find the optimal locations and sizes of capacitors considering the minimisation of energy loss and capacitor costs as objective functions while system constraints are fully achieved. The fixed, practical switched and the combination of fixed and switched capacitors are considered to find the optimal solution. The backward/forward sweep algorithm is developed for the load flow calculations. The proposed procedure is applied to different standard test systems as 34‐bus and 85‐bus radial distribution systems. In addition, the application of the proposed procedure on a real distribution system of the East Delta Network as a part of the Unified Egyptian Network is used as a test system. Numerical results show the capability of the proposed procedure to find the optimal solution for significant saving in the total cost with more accurate and efficient, competitive compared with other methods in the literature especially with increasing the distribution system sizing.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1049/iet-gtd.2015.0799
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
