Multi-Objective Particle Swarm optimization Applied on the Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch in Electrical Distribution Systems

The main purpose of the optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) is to reduce the active power losses by the right coordination of on-load tap-changing transformers (OLTC) and the reactive power resources, that may include capacitor banks and distributed generators. Additional to power losses, the voltage deviation minimization represents another aspect of interest in solving the optimal reactive power flow problem. Hence, the ORPD problem can be approached as a complex multi-objective optimization problem. Incorporating nonlinear functions, both continuous and discrete variables and numerous constraints, this problem requires highly performant computation methods for an efficient calculation of the optimal solution. In this regard, a multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) model is applied in this paper, in order to determine the ideal settings of distributed generators, transformers and capacitor banks for the proper operation of a distribution electrical system, in terms of active power losses and voltage profiles.