Optimal Reconfiguration of Distribution Network in Presence of D-STATCOM and Photovoltaic Array using a Metaheuristic Algorithm

Abstract

In this paper, grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) a novel meta-heuristic optimization algorithm is used to solve the network reconfiguration problem in presence of distribution static compensator (D-STATCOM) and photovoltaic (PV) arrays in a distribution system. Here, D-STATCOM acts as distribution flexible ac transmission (D-FACT) device and PV arrays as decentralized or distributed generation (DG). The main purpose of the present research includes power loss minimization and voltage profile (VP) enhancement in radial distribution systems under different loading conditions. The proposed GOA is based on swarming behavior of grasshoppers in nature. The proposed GOA is validated using the standard 33, 69 and 118 – bus test systems. The simulation results proved that the optimal network reconfiguration in presence of D-STATCOM units and PV arrays leads to significant reduction in power loss and enhancement in VP. The results obtained by the proposed GOA are compared with base value and found that the optimal network reconfiguration in presence of D-STATCOM and PV arrays is more beneficial than individual objective optimization. Also, the proposed GOA is more accurate, efficient and reliable in finding optimal solution when compared to existing modified flower pollination algorithm (MFPA), firework algorithm (FWA), fuzzy-based ant colony optimization (ACO) and genetic algorithm (GA).