Cost-based Optimal Allocation of Shunt Capacitors in Radial Distribution Networks considering Load Types

Optimal allocation of shunt capacitors in radial distribution networks (RDNs) have been obtained using several techniques taking the average of the network as constant power load. However, there are different load types on the distribution network that can significantly determine the size and location of shunt capacitors. In this study, the black widow optimizer technique is utilized for optimal allocation of shunt capacitors considering the constant impedance, constant current, constant power and combination of loads scenarios in the radial distribution network. The objective of the study is minimization of the total annual operating cost composed of cost due to power loss, shunt capacitor’s investment, installation and operation cost. The proposed method is implemented on the IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus radial distribution networks. The simulation results establish the effectiveness of the proposed technique for the four considered load models. The combination load model yielded the highest percentage savings of 34.79% and 29.62 % of the total annual operating cost for the IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus RDN, respectively. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed BWO were confirmed by a comparison of the results of the constant power model with well-established optimization techniques found in open works of literature.