Allocation of Capacitors and Voltage Regulators in Three-Phase Distribution Networks

The development of electricity distribution networks has affected their planning and operation, requiring more specialized studies such as three-phase analyses that allow the inclusion of unbalanced loads and the mutual impedances of power cables. These more detailed modeling approaches allow a better understanding and control of the factors related to power quality such as losses and maintenance of the voltage profile and power factor. These quality issues can often be addressed using the appropriate allocation of capacitor banks and voltage regulators. This paper proposes an optimization approach for allocating these devices using a metaheuristic technique to improve the quality of the power supply in the context of unbalanced three-phase power grids. The optimization problem is solved via binary particle swarm optimization. The load flow analysis is carried out using OpenDSS software, which allows the modeling of unbalanced three-phase topologies. The mathematical formulation proposed is tested using an IEEE-34 and IEEE-123 system bus.