Self adaptive harmony search algorithm for optimal capacitor placement on radial distribution systems

Optimal capacitor placement is a complex combinatorial optimization process aimed at finding the location and size of capacitors on a radial distribution network that minimizes the system power and energy loss, deviation of node voltages and increases the available capacity of the feeders. A Harmony Search algorithm (HSA) is a recently developed algorithm which is conceptualized using the musical process of searching for a perfect state of harmony. It uses a stochastic search instead of a gradient search. In this paper, a Self Adaptive Harmony Search algorithm (SAHSA) is proposed to solve the optimal capacitor placement in order to minimize the power loss. Forward/Backward sweep power flow method is used to solve the radial distribution system. The proposed approach is tested on standard IEEE 33bus and IEEE 69-bus radial distribution systems. The results are compared with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, and plant growth simulation algorithm (PGSA) and it is observed that the proposed method performed well in terms of the quality of solution.