Optimal Allocation of Capacitor Banks using Genetic Algorithm and Sensitivity Analysis

This paper presents a methodology for allocation of Bank of Capacitor (BC), based on the genetic algorithm (GA) and in the use of Sensitivity Analysis (SA). The AS is used to evaluate the candidate solutions directly instead of using a Optimal Power Flow (OPF), which is an iterative method. The proposed methodology was applied on three distribution systems, containing 34, 70 bus, respectively. Scenarios were analyzed for the insertion of two units of BC in each system. The proposed methodology AG - AS was compared with exhaustive methodology, solved by only OPF method and the gain in computational processing time is showed. As a main result, it was obtained the best locations for placement of BC units considering the minimization of real power losses, and consequently an improvement in the voltage levels in the buses of the system