Optimal Dispatch of LTC and Shunt Capacitors in the Presence of Harmonics using Genetic Algorithms

The optimal dispatch of load tap changer (LTC) and shunt capacitors while taking harmonics into account is presented. The aim is to determine the optimal dispatch schedule of the switched elements for simultaneously minimizing the energy loss and improving the voltage and power quality. Harmonics are taken into account by involving a nonlinear load in the system. The decouple approach is employed for harmonic power flow calculation and genetic algorithms are employed to effectively solve the optimization problem. Encoding ability of the proposed method enables checking the fulfillment of switching constraints of any possible schedule prior to performing calculations for non-sinusoidal conditions. It will reduce the computation burden due to unnecessary calculation for unfeasible schedules. A 30-bus distribution system is selected for simulation while a 6-pulse converter is used as the nonlinear load