Optimal Locationand Sizing of Capacitors on Radial Distribution Systems

Abstract

Distribution system forms a major part in the power system as it is the link between bulk
power transmission system and the consumer load. Distribution systems are growing in large
and are stretched too far leading higher system losses, poor voltage regulation and poor
power factor. These factors can be improved to a greater extent using reactive power
compensation. As major part of the load in distribution system is of inductive type, reactive
power compensation can be done by placing capacitor banks at optimal locations in the
system. In this work, it is proposed to find optimal location and size of the capacitors to
minimize the losses and improve the voltage profile in a given distribution system.