Utilization of Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Optimization of MV Network Compensation

This article describes the possibilities of solving optimal distribution of capacitors by particle swarm optimization (PSO) used in parallel compensation of medium voltage (MV) distribution network. PSO is a suitable tool for solving combinatorial problems benefiting from low requirements for criterial function. An algorithm looks for such a parameter set-up that has a minimum price and a minimum level of the total power losses and a minimum cost of capacitors and minimum maintenance expenses, all of this under given limitations. Its functionality is demonstrated on the example of a power network.