Optimizing the hybrid PVDG and DSTATCOM integration in electrical distribution systems based on a modified homonuclear molecules optimization algorithm

Abstract

AbstractThe increasing use of non‐linear loads in electrical distribution systems (EDS) led to a greater need for reactive power compensation, losses minimization, improved voltage and stability. This paper proposes the optimal integration of hybrid photovoltaic distributed generation (PVDG) and distribution static synchronous compensator (DSTATCOM) into IEEE 33 and 69‐bus EDS. A modified version of homonuclear molecules optimization (mHMO) is developed to determine the optimal allocation of the devices, while minimizing a multi‐objective function (MOF) based on total active power losses (TAPL), total voltage deviation (TVD), and investment cost of integrated devices (ICPVDG and ICDSTATCOM). The primary objective of the mHMO is to enhance the equilibrium between exploration and exploitation in the original HMO by implementing a fresh exploration stage. The effectiveness of mHMO was assessed using CEC17 benchmark functions. The findings demonstrate that mHMO achieved excellent results, including high‐quality solution and a favourable convergence rate. Additionally, results demonstrate that mHMO outperforms its basic version in reducing TAPL by 94.27% and 97.87% for the two EDS, while improving voltage profiles and reducing the cost of integrated devices. This study shows the potential of hybrid PVDG‐DSTATCOM in improving the performance of EDS and highlights the effectiveness of mHMO in optimizing their integration.