LITERATURE SURVEY

This dissertation presents loss minimization technique through optimal capacitor placement in
radial distribution system. This chapter reviews the technical literature related to various aspects
of loss minimization techniques in distribution system to ascertain proposed research work.
Fundamental of the distribution networks along with methods of minimization of losses and
location identification of shunt capacitor is presented here. The research objectives are formed on
the basis of critical assessment of the literature.
Distribution losses in the power system are most serious problem. Distribution networks are
directly connected to the consumer and these are most sensitive part as far as system losses are
concerned. Loss minimization strategies are always an area of special interest for researchers and
design engineers. Many researchers have come forward with new techniques to address this
problem. The solution techniques for the loss reduction by optimal sizing and placement of
capacitor problem are a combinatorial optimization problem which also includes the cost of the
capacitor and some real time operation constraints. .
Marvasti Vahid et.al. [1] proposed genetic algorithm for loss minimization in radial distribution
network consisting of 27 buses. The author not only optimized the capacitor placement and its size
but also give the optimal conductor selection for the purpose of economic minimization of loss
and enhancement of voltage. The author considered different constraints for his approach that
includes voltage limit, maximum permissible carrying current of conductors, size of available
capacitors and type of conductors. In this study it was emphasized that large number of constraints
made computational time very high.

T. Samimi Asl et.al. [2] proposed a new memetic-algorithm (MA) approach to optimize the
objective function that consist of energy losses subjected to different constraints. Paper validated
the proposed approach on IEEE -13 distribution network, further brief description of MAs with
pseudo code also explained in a beautiful manner.
Ibrahim Tawfeek et.al. [3] proposed a genetic algorithm (GA) based approach for the simultaneous
power quality improvement and to optimize the placement and sizing of fixed capacitor bank in
radial distribution system. Author(s) also considered the effect of distributed generation DGs in

radial distribution network with the presence of voltage and current harmonics and results carried
out. The objective function of the approach included the cost of power losses, energy losses and
capacitor banks.

Jiachuan Shi et.al.[4] proposed a comprehensive optimal regulation model for distribution
network. The author utilized the reactive power regulating switches, sectionalizing and tie
switchers to reduce the active power losses. Author(s) proposed a loop-based coding scheme for
reconfiguration description. In this work tabu search algorithm employed to get the optimal
solution and tested the proposed method on 69-bus system. Author(s) observed a great extent
reduction in the active power loss.

D.Richardson et.al. [5] proposed a two-stage immune algorithm that embeds the compromise
programming to perform the multi-objective optimal capacitor placement. Author(s) formulated
the model of this problem by considering fuzzy sets so as to reflect the imprecise nature of
objectives. Author(s) also incorporated the multiple planning requirements in this work.
J. C. Carlisle [6] proposed a graph search algorithm based approach for the proper placement of
fixed and switched shunt capacitors on primary distribution feeders. The approach validated
reduction in active power losses. This approach also reported increment in the capacity of feeders
and improvement in feeder voltages. This work also explored the possibility of outfitting
capacitors of different standard sizes. The work extended towards the cost analysis.

S. M. Hakimi et.al. [7] proposed a new approach called particle swarm optimization (PSO)
technique for non-radial distribution system. In this modified PSO algorithm coded in Dig silent
Programming Language (DPL) to minimize the line losses in a distribution network. Author(s)
considered feeders, transformers loading and the buses voltage as constraints in the objective
function and results were carried out.

Hsiao-Dong Chiang et.al. [8] proposed a method based on the combination of simulated annealing
and greedy search technique. This technique was employed to determine not only the optimal
location, type & size of capacitor but also introduced a control scheme for each capacitor in three-

phase unbalanced distribution system. Author(s) considered different constraints i.e. load,
network, and operational constraints for solving the optimization process. To make system more
realistic different load levels were considered in this work.

M.H.Haque et.al. [9] proposed a technique for minimizing the loss associated with the reactive
component of branch currents by placing shunt capacitors. In this work author(s) found that
significant reduction in the losses could be achieved by placing shunt capacitors. Author(s) firstly
selected the sequence of the nodes. For compensating those nodes capacitors placement were done
and then the sizing of the capacitors were found for that particular node. Author(s) applied this
method on two distribution systems consisting of 15 and 33 bus radial distribution system.

A. Lakshmi Devi et.al. [10] proposed a method to solve the problem of capacitor placement by
optimal DG unit placement based on Fuzzy Logic technique. Author(s) compared the results of
optimal DG unit placement with optimal capacitor unit placement in radial distribution system. It
was also exhibited that optimal DG placement with capacitor not only reduces the losses in the
system but also improve the voltage regulation.

A. Augugliaro [11] proposed an Evolutionary Parallel Tabu Search (EPTS) based approach; in this
approach operators are reproduced on sub-neighborhoods to direct the search towards more close
to the best result. The objective function of this research was to optimize the electrical distribution
systems reinforcement planning through the installation of photovoltaic plants, parallel cables,
capacitor banks and transformers. This research resulted in a non linear expression with a large no.
of variables which required more equations and as a result computation time require in this
research was more.
Young-Jae Jeon [12] proposed a method based on automatic sectionalizing switch operation for
large-scale distribution system for loss minimization. This method required excessive computation
time, so author(s) uses the hybrid algorithm technique which was a combination of simulated
annealing and Tabu search to reduce the system losses with low computation time.

Sundhararajan S., Pahwa [13] applied the method of GA for determining the size, location, type
and number of capacitors to be placed in a radial distribution system to minimize the losses. The
search tends towards a better result with low computation time.

R.A. Jabr [14] proposed a method which was based on two phase approach i.e. phase-I and phaseII. In phase-I the problem formulated as a conic program and then solution obtained using an
interior-point based conic programming solver. In phase-II the author(s) considered the problem
as a mixed integer linear program with capacitor size consider as a discrete variable. Author(s)
considered different constraints such as physical and technical constraints in his research and
obtained the desired size & location of the capacitor so as to reduce the system losses.

Mesut E. Baranand [15] proposed an algorithm to reduce the losses in the system with capacitor
cost considered. Author(s) decomposed the problem into two parts called as master and Slave
problem. Firstly location of the capacitor found out with the help of master problem and then type
& size of the capacitor with slave problem. The total numbers of equations generated in this
research was more due to which complexity increased and computation time needed was much
high.

Anil Swarnkar et.al.[16] proposed an efficient methodology for the placement of fixed as well as
switched shunt capacitors in the radial distribution system. Author(s) applied GA technique and
construct the objective function which consist of minimization of energy losses as well as cost of
the shunt capacitors. The system voltage maintained at each node. Paper validated the proposed
approach on a 69 bus system with varying load condition and different setting of shunt capacitor.
Author(s) compared the results with a proposed method (FUZZY-GA Method) and found that by
proper placing of static & switched shunt capacitor a higher saving in energy loss could be
achieved.
Marcos A.N. Guimaraes et.al.[17] proposed an approach of reconfiguration of system with proper
allocation of fixed and automatic capacitor bank with their proper size so as to reduce the system
losses. Author(s) applied a new algorithm Chu-Beasley based genetic algorithm in which
crossover operation solved by minimal spanning tree algorithm. The algorithm used a fitness as
well as unfitness function to obtain the more accurate result. Paper validated the proposed approach

on 69 and 135 bus system with varying load condition and by adjusting reactive power requirement
with automatic switched capacitor. The reconfiguration of system and capacitor placement
obtained a significant reduction in power loss and in cost.
Seyed Abbas Taher et.al.[18] proposed a method to reduce the system losses in distribution system
by proper placing of capacitor of proper size with its proper location in a radial distribution system
which consist of non linear loads and distributed generation. Author(s) considered different
constraints in his research such as voltage and current harmonics distortion factor, voltage limits,
number and size of capacitor to be installed. The objective function of the research was to minimize
the power losses and capacitor bank requirement while taking these constraints into account. Paper
validated the proposed approach on a IEEE 18 and 33 bus system and a significant saving in losses
were achieved. The proposed method consumed less time to converge around a near good solution
and provided results with improved power quality.
Ying-Tung Hasiao et.al.[19] proposed a Fuzzy-GA technique based approach to solve out
capacitor placement problem in the system by calculating its appropriate location and size.
Author(s) considered three different objective functions that consist of minimization of losses and
cost of energy loss as well as capacitor bank, maintaining the bus voltage and improving the
marginal loading on the feeders. The developed method tested on a Tai power distribution system
and efficiently obtained the results with maintaining the voltage and as well as loading on the
feeders.

V.V.K Reddy et.al.[20] proposed a Index and GA based approach through which system losses
could be reduced by proper placement of capacitor with its appropriate size. Author(s) defined a
new index called as power loss index through this appropriate allocation of capacitor at each node
was determined. For compensating these nodes capacitors placement were done and then the sizing
of the capacitors were found for that particular node. Paper validated the proposed approach on
15,31,34,69 and 85- bus system and a considerable reduction in power loss achieved with
improvement in voltage profile.

IB Mady [21] proposed a genetic algorithm based technique for proper placement of capacitor with
its appropriate size, improving the power quality of the system and distributed generation DGs in
radial distribution network in the presence of voltage and current harmonics. The objective

function of this proposed method is to reduce the system losses as well as cost associated with it.
Author(s) considered the different constraints such as voltage limits, harmonic distortion factor,
number and size of capacitor and power quality limit. Paper validated the proposed approach on a
30 bus radial distribution system consists of 5 feeders with 28 load centers. Author(s) obtained the
different results with different loading condition by placing capacitor of appropriate size and
location with DGs and without DGs and found that maximum saving as well as improvement in
power quality can be achieved with capacitor placing and DGs in a radial distributed network.

Y. Mohamed Shuaib et.al.[22] proposed a Queen Bee Assisted Genetic Algorithm in which
author(s) implemented the evolution of queen bee in a hive with genetic algorithm so as to reduce
the system losses. The objective function of this proposed method is to minimize the total losses
and the cost associated with it while maintain the system voltage within limits. Author(s) uses a
new method called loss sensitivity factor in which particular node has been determine on which
capacitor has to be placed. After determination of particular node, capacitor of proper size has been
determined and placed on that particular node. Paper validated the proposed approach on 33 and
69 bus system and the results found have been compared with simple GA technique. A significant
reduction in the losses and cost saving has been achieved by the proposed method.

Luis Rojas et.al.[23] proposed a Genetic Algorithm based approach to reduce the system losses
while maintaining the system voltage at each node. Author(s) developed a new Microsoft excel
program which can be used in a radial system with different load varying conditions. The
requirement of reactive power can be easily balanced with the help of this method. This method
can explore the large solution in a very short time therefore small computational time is needed .

J.B.V Subrahmanyam [24] proposed a genetic algorithm based approach for determining the
optimal sizing of capacitor bank. Author(s) applied the proposed method to a unbalanced
distribution network (missing phase, unevenly loaded feeders or unevenly loaded shunt capacitors
on single or double phase feeders). Author(s) firstly calculated the particular nodes that are most
sensitive during unbalanced system using the power loss index method. After determination of
particular node, capacitor of proper size has been determined using GA technique and placed on

that particular node. Paper validated the proposed approach on IEEE 25 and 37- bus system and
a considerable reduction in power loss has been achieved with improvement in voltage profile.

S.Neelima et.al[25] proposed a dimension reducing based approach using GA for determining the
optimal location and size of capacitor that has to be placed to reduced the losses in the distribution
network. The research has been carried out in two stages. In the first stage, load flow has been
carried out using dimension reducing distribution load flow algorithm (DRDLFA) to calculate the
voltages at that particular node where compensation has been required. In the second stage genetic
algorithm technique is employed for determining the optimal location and size of capacitor. Paper
validated the proposed approach on IEEE 69 bus system and a considerable reduction in power
loss had been achieved with improvement in voltage profile and power factor.

M. Damodar Reddy et.al [26] proposed a new methodology using Fuzzy and Real Coded Genetic
Algorithm (RCGA) to place the capacitor of proper size and at proper location on the primary
feeders in a radial distribution network so as to reduce the losses in the system with improvement
in voltage profile. The research has been carried out in two stages. In the first stage, fuzzy approach
has been carried out which is based on Capacitor Suitability Index (CSI) values to find out the
nodes or the capacitor location where capacitor has to be place. In the second stage optimal size of
the capacitor has been calculated using Real Coded Genetic Algorithm (RCGA). Paper validated
the proposed approach on IEEE15, 34 and 69 bus system and a considerable reduction in power
loss has been achieved with the improvement in voltage profile.

HamidReza Salehi et.al.[27] proposed an approach for minimizing the losses in a real power
network using genetic algorithm technique. Author(s) approach to a new software called Digsilent
software which has been linked with MATLAB software. Firstly the calculations are carried out
using genetic algorithm in MATLAB software and then these results are exported in Digsilent
software to reduced the rate of computational time. Paper validated the proposed approach on a
Zanjan power system network.

Ahmad Galal Sayed et.al.[28] proposed an approach for minimizing the losses in a distorted
interconnected distribution network using genetic algorithm technique. Author(s) considered the

different constraints such as voltage limits, harmonic distortion factor, and size of capacitor. Paper
validated the proposed approach on a 30 bus radial distribution system. Author(s) considered the
three different loading conditions i.e. when all loads are linear, secondly when some loads are
nonlinear and thirdly when all loads are nonlinear. Proposed method has been run on Visual basic
6 and ETAP software has been used to carry out the harmonic load flow analysis. .
D. Das [29] proposed an approach for minimizing the losses in a radial distribution network using
combination of Fuzzy and genetic algorithm technique. Author(s) utilizes the Fuzzy logic
technique to determine the particular nodes that are most sensitive to voltage deviations. In the
later stage genetic algorithm technique is employed for determining the optimal size of capacitor
that has to be placed on that particular node. Author(s) considered the three different loading
conditions i.e. light load, secondly nominal loading and thirdly heavy loading conditions. Paper
validated the proposed approach on a 69 bus radial distribution system and a considerable
reduction in power loss and maximum net saving has been achieved with the improvement in
voltage profile.

Hong-Tzer Yang [30] proposed a new approach to solve the capacitor placement problem in a
radial distribution system by a Tabu Search (TS) based solution algorithm. Author(s) introduces
sensitivity analysis method to select the candidate installation locations of the capacitors to reduce
the search space of this problem. Comparison results of the TS method with the Simulated
Annealing (SA) and has been shown that the proposed TS method can offer the nearly optimal
solution to the capacitor placement problem within reasonable computing time.

2.2 Comments on Review: From all the proposed methods of different researchers, the location
and proper size of capacitor that has to be placed in electric distribution system is a major
problem otherwise losses will increase if appropriate size of capacitor is not place at appropriate
location. There are different methods which have been suggested by different author(s) through
which capacitor can be placed for minimizing the loss. They are not just only reducing the loss
but also minimizing the total cost associated with energy loss as well as capacitor size. Different
methods proposed by different author(s) results only in minimizing the losses in distribution
system.