Optimal Reactive Power Compensation Configuration in Distribution Power System Integrated with Small Hydro Power Plant

Abstract

Hydropower is the most widely used renewable energy for electricity generation in China, and small hydro power plant (SHPP) is a flexible way of electricity generation in water-rich remote area. Voltage at the end of distribution network may be increased over the acceptable range due to the connection of SHPPs. Magnetic control reactor (MCR) is usually used to reduce the voltage by consuming reactive power. A mathematical model for calculation of the optimal capacity of MCR is proposed in this paper, and particle swarm optimization (PSO) is adopted to solve the optimization problem. Two cases based on the IEEE 33-bus test system are used to validate the proposed method. In the given cases, system voltage is adjusted to the acceptable range.