Genetic algorithm based method for capacitor placement using new sensitivity based approach

This paper proposes a new methodology for optimal allocation of shunt capacitors in distribution systems. The proposed method combines various objectives and constraints into a comprehensive constraint multi-objective function (CCMF). The function has been optimized using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) based method. Attempts have also been made to improve the computational efficiency of GA. The search space of GA is reduced by introducing a new reactive power flow sensitivity approach that determines the set of candidate nodes suitable for capacitor placement and also by employing a new constrained chromosome structure. The proposed method is tested on 69-bus test distribution system and the application results are promising.