Optimal placement of voltage regulators in distribution systems

A two-step algorithm for the optimal placement of voltage regulators in distribution systems is presented in this paper. In the first step, voltage regulators are placed (and the tap position is determined) at candidate buses, aiming at minimizing voltage drops and real power losses. In the second step, an attempt to reduce the number of voltage regulators is made, taking into consideration economical aspects (minimization of installation and maintenance costs). It is shown that the proposed algorithm is fast, efficient and provides reliable results.