Optimal Capacitor Bank Placement And Sizing Using Particle Swarm Optimization (Pso): A Case Study On Ecg 33 Kv Distribution Network System In Ghana, Ashanti Region.

Abstract

Distribution systems always have high losses, maximum voltage drops, and bus voltage instability. This thesis examines the impact of integrating Distribution Static Synchronous Compensators (DSTATCOM) on the ECG distribution system in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. The study compares the system's performance before and after DSTATCOM integration. The Backward/Forward Sweep (BFS) was used to analyse the load flow, while the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm determined DSTATCOM's size and position. Three cases were analysed. The first case analysed a 50-bus system data without DSTATCOM, while the second and third cases employed PSO to determine the appropriate location and size of fixed and switched DSTATCOM to lessen active and reactive power loss, boost the voltage profile, and minimize energy cost. The results demonstrate that DSTATCOM integration increased the minimum bus voltage from 0.817 p.u. to 0.95 p.u. and maintaining the maximum bus voltage at 1 p.u. Additionally, DSTATCOM integration leads to substantial reductions in total active and reactive power losses. In Case 1, there is a reduction of 58.88% in active power loss and 57.48% in reactive power loss. Similarly, Case 2 shows a decrease of 58.72% in active power loss and an impressive 96.69% reduction in reactive power loss. Regarding the economic impact, Case 1 exhibits an annual energy cost of $1,004,433.60 and net savings of $1,436,606.40. In Case 2, these values are $1,007,867.76 for energy cost and $1,433,172.24 for net savings. Both Cases (Case 1 and Case 2) demonstrate a net savings percentage of 58.85% and 58.71% respectively, with a consistent seven-month payback period. The integration of DSTATCOMs into the ECG distribution system in the Ashanti Region has proven to be an effective strategy for improving voltage regulation, reducing power losses, and achieving significant economic savings