Application of tabu search strategy in solving nondifferentiable savings function for the calculation of optimum savings due to shunt capacitor installation in a radial distribution system

In this paper, the calculation of optimum savings due to shunt capacitor placement in a radial distribution system is formulated and solved using a tabu search (TS) based solution algorithm in C language. The savings function in this case is nondifferentiable and the usual mathematical optimisation methods are inapplicable. The capacitor placement problem considers the number of capacitors used, their respective positions in the distribution system as well as the sizes of the capacitors installed. These considerations are important in determining the minimal difference between the savings for the reduction of peak power and energy losses and the cost of the capacitors installed. A boundary test for the capacitor placement and a loadflow program are also incorporated into the algorithm. The method is applied to a test case of a practical radial distribution system.