Optimal allocation of series and multiple PV-integrated shunt compensators to minimise power loss and under-voltage nodes of radial distribution networks

This paper presents a multi-objective approach for optimising the placement of series compensators (SEC) and shunt compensators (SHC) in distribution networks. The study utilises Particle Swarm optimisation (PSO) to determine the optimal locations for these compensators to minimise the overall compensator rating, network power loss, and the number of undervoltage nodes (NUVN). The method generates a set of non-dominated solutions by simultaneously optimising these objectives using a multi-objective PSO (MOPSO) algorithm. Furthermore, the paper explores the efficient utilisation of existing photo-voltaic (PV) systems to provide both real and reactive power compensation while minimising total harmonic distortion (THD) by replacing conventional SHCs in PV units. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, the study conducts a series of case studies under various scenarios.