Multi-objective reactive power dispatch in distribution networks using modified bat algorithm

Integration of distributed generation in power system challenges operation and management of power distribution network. This paper presents Modified Bat Algorithm for Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch (OPRF) of distributed generation for voltage support in distribution network. An objective function with constraints of voltage, DG reactive power, thermal limits of lines is presented. A modified IEEE 37 node test feeder with variable generation was used to validate the proposed algorithm. A co-simulation setup was used in which electric grid was developed in Power system tool (DigSILENT PowerFactory) and Modified Bat Algorithm was developed in Python. Results showed that Modified Bat Algorithm is quite effective for voltage profile improvement and loss minimization.