Capacitor Allocation Optimization for Improved Distribution Network Performance

One of the most affordable methods for improving the performance of radial distribution networks is through the deployment of capacitors. However, the optimal allocation of capacitors is a serious issue that must be resolved. This paper proposed a novel dingo optimization algorithm (DOA) to tackle the problem of the allocation of capacitors. A single objective function, subjected to several equality and inequality constraints, was formulated and solved using the proposed DOA for capacitor allocation. The performance of the network was assessed using voltage profile, real power, and reactive power losses as the performance metrics. The results indicated a significant improvement in the performance of the network as real power as well as reactive power losses were greatly reduced by 34.44 and 35.20%, respectively, and the overall network voltage profile was enhanced. Thus, DOA proved effective in the allocation of capacitors in radial distribution networks.