A novel method for distributed generation and capacitor optimal placement considering voltage profiles

To ensure the quality of power supply in distribution systems, bus voltages should be maintained within limits. Shunt capacitor banks installed along distribution feeders can reduce voltage drops. Moreover, distributed generations (DGs) can improve system voltage profile as well as supply real power. The locations of DGs and capacitors play an important role in maintaining voltage profiles. In this paper, two optimization models are proposed to obtain the optimal placements of DGs and capacitor banks to maintain better voltage profiles in distribution systems. First, the optimal DG placement problem is formulated as a modified optimal power flow (OPF) problem, with an innovative mathematic representation of voltage profile optimization. Then the capacitor optimal placement problem is modeled and solved. Both models are tested on the IEEE 41 bus distribution system, which is a radial system. Discussions are provided based on the results of case studies.