Optimal multiple installation of DG and capacitor for energy loss reduction and loadability enhancement in the radial distribution network using the hybrid WIPSO–GSA algorithm

ABSTRACT

In the electric power system, the majority of loads connected to the distribution side are inductive loads, thereby resulting in enhanced energy loss and reduced voltage stability and maximum loadability. In this study, in order to overcome these issues, optimal multiple installation of distributed generation (DG) and capacitor are presented with minimisation of total apparent power loss ($S_{\mathrm{loss}}^{\mathrm{total}}$) taken as the main objective function. The optimal DG and capacitor planning problem are solved using a hybrid configuration of the weight improved particle swarm optimisation (WIPSO) algorithm and gravitational search algorithm (GSA) called the hybrid WIPSO–GSA algorithm. Moreover, the total economic benefit due to optimal DG and capacitor installation are also established by considering essential cost parameters for the total planning period. The proposed methodology is tested on standard 33-bus and Indian 85-bus radial distribution systems. The superiority of the proposed technique is also illustrated by comparing the results with other optimisation techniques.

KEYWORDS:

• Distributed generation (DG)
• capacitor
• energy loss reduction
• maximum loadability enhancement
• economic benefit evaluation
• hybrid WIPSO–GSA algorithm

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The work of Arulraj Rajendran was supported by the University Grants Commission (UGC) India [grant number RGNF-2014-15-SC-TAM-60538].