Application of a genetic algorithm in the reduction of loss and control of the voltage of distribution networks using the real optimization of fixed and switched capacitors

Abstract

For a long time, reduction of the loss and control of the voltage of electric distribution networks have been considered to be some of the most important problems of such networks. The importance of these two features arises from the fact that they are directly related to the loss of electric energy. One of the essential and effective methods in solving these two problems is the use of fixed and switched capacitors. In this paper, a new method has been presented on the basis of a genetic algorithm aimed at reducing the loss and controlling the network voltage by using fixed and switched capacitors in the form of real optimization. By real optimization in this method, we mean the use of the range of low- and medium-voltage capacitors available in the market with their real prices and by modelling the load at its different levels, the real model of the network is also taken into consideration. With due regard to the above facts and considering the large number of variables of optimization, the use of the genetic algorithm is an important factor in finding the real optimal method in the application of capacitors. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.