An optimal installation strategy of photovoltaic-based DGs and capacitors considering distributed VAr support of photovoltaic converters

Recently, due to increased interest in low carbon energy supply, installation of renewable energy sources (RESs) appears to be a promising solution for generating clean and unlimited energy. The penetration of photovoltaics (PVs) in distribution networks would definitely affect the power system problems such as capacitor installation strategies. Therefore, an optimal procedure is proposed herein which investigates the simultaneous placement of PV-based distributed generations (DGs) and capacitors taking into account different load curves, electricity prices, and hourly photovoltaic power generation in a daily basis. Moreover, the seasonal changes in daily load and renewable generations have been also modeled as an impressive factor in the founded methodology. The optimization procedure is handled with genetic algorithm (GA) and tested on IEEE 69-bus radial distribution test system aiming at minimization of energy losses costs. Focusing on numerical studies, the distributed reactive support capability of PVs in altering the capacitor placement solutions has been discussed in depth to certify their substantial effect. The obtained results are encouraging.