Placement of Capacitors by Nature Inspired Algorithm for Cost Saving by Minimizing the Losses in Radial Distribution Systems

In this paper, a nature inspired algorithm known as Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) is incorporated to analyze Radial Distribution Systems (RDS) for optimal placement and sizing of capacitors. The selection of candidate buses for installation of capacitors are determined by a key factor termed as Loss Sensitivity Factor (LSF). The effectiveness of FPA is demonstrated by implementing it on 12, 28 and 85 bus RDS to derive the locations and sizing of capacitors based on selected candidate buses. Comparison of the results obtained by the FPA with the base case and other existing algorithms infers that the power losses are reduced drastically thereby increased net saving and improved voltage profiles for the tested RDS.