Optimal capacitor placement in a distribution network with nonlinear loads using Harmony Search algorithm

Shunt capacitors are widely used in distribution systems to reduce power losses, improve voltage profile and increase system capacity. The benefits of compensation depend greatly on the placement and size of the added capacitors. Most of the capacitor placement techniques assume that all loads are linear and ignore the effect of harmonics. The objective of the capacitor placement problem, in the presence of nonlinear loads, is to determine the optimal size and location of installed capacitors for various loading conditions. In this process, it maximizes the total saving by energy loss reduction through proper installation of shunt capacitors. In this paper, a relatively new meta-heuristic method called the Harmony Search (HS) algorithm is applied. The performance of the proposed HS algorithm is validated on the 33-bus radial distribution system considering linear and non linear loads. The capacitor placement results using HS algorithm are also compared with those using genetic algorithm.