Optimal Capacitor Placement in Distribution Networks Considering the Effect of Harmonics using the New Recursive Harmonic Power Flow Method

In this paper, a multi-objective function is proposed for optimal placement of the capacitors in radial distribution networks considering the effect of harmonics. In addition to the voltage profile, active losses and installation cost, the resonant phenomenon caused by the harmonics is also included in proposed objective function. The PSO meta-initiative method has been employed in order to optimize the function. A novel approach has been introduced to analyze the harmonic load flow in distribution networks. The proposed method is based on four matrices that are constant during the load flow. Therefore, in this method, the repeater counters and the harmonic frequencies are the only variables. Due to the elimination of backward-forward sweeps in this approach, the calculations are fast and accurate. This method has been implemented on a standard 14-bus system and a real power distribution network in Lorestan province, Iran. Simulation results confirm the accuracy and speed of the proposed load flow method as well as the effectiveness of the proposed method for optimal placement of the capacitors in the harmonic polluted networks.