A new fuzzy-reasoning approach to optimum capacitor allocation for primary distribution systems

This paper presents a fuzzy-reasoning method to optimum shunt capacitor placement and sizing for the radial distribution systems. In the method, capacitor allocation is applied to correct voltage and reduce power loss for a given load pattern. The problem of capacitor allocation includes the location, type (fixed or switched), and size of capacitor. Hence it is a combinatorial optimization problem with multiple objectives. A simple algorithm is presented for optimal capacitor placement and sizing problem of distribution systems having concentrated loads. Two membership functions are defined for voltage and power loss, respectively. Results are obtained through applying a simple min-operation. The method proposed is simple, straightforward, and effective.