Optimal Sizing and Placement of Series Capacitors in Distribution Networks Using Modified Elephant Herding Optimization Algorithm

The optimal size and location of series capacitors is a critical challenge in a distribution network. In this paper, a novel approach for enhancing voltage stability in distribution networks through the optimal sizing and placement of series capacitors is proposed. The study introduces a technique to determine the optimal lines for connecting series capacitors based on line reactance and current. A modified Elephant Herding Optimization (MEHO) algorithm was used to determine the reactance sizes of the series capacitors and the best lines to place them for optimum system performance. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, three series capacitors are placed and sized in the standard IEEE 33-bus radial distribution system for stability enhancement. A comparison is conducted between the proposed MEHO algorithm-based approach, the original Elephant Herding Optimization (EHO) algorithm, and the IGWO-TS-based methods reported in the literature. The evaluation is performed by analyzing the system voltage profile, total system losses, and system voltage deviation index under varying loading conditions of 30%, 100%, and 120% of the system nominal loading. Results demonstrate that the proposed MEHO algorithm-based approach outperforms the other two methods significantly in all the scenarios, highlighting its effectiveness in voltage stability enhancement in distribution networks.