Simultaneous feeder reconfiguration, DSTATCOM allocation, and sizing using seagull optimization algorithm in unbalanced radial distribution systems

This paper introduces a planning mechanism for optimal feeder reconfiguration, DSTATCOM allocation, and sizing in unbalanced radial distribution systems. The minimization of total active power losses (TACPL) is considered as the main objective of this work. A three phase forward-backward sweep load flow algorithm is utilized as a subroutine for the computation of the TACPL. The seagull optimization algorithm (SOA) is used as the solution methodology for this mixed integer non-linear planning problem. The simultaneous feeder reconfiguration, DSTATCOM installation obtains significant reduction in in the 19- and 25- bus unbalanced distribution network. Furthermore, the bus voltage magnitudes (pu) is also found to be enhanced. The SOA obtains lower TACPL in comparison to some of the well-known optimization algorithms like, differential evolution algorithm (DEA), moth-flame optimization (MFO) algorithm, and Jaya optimization algorithm (JOA). The proposed technique also attains lower TACPL in comparison to some of the established techniques reported in the literature while determining the optimal location, and rating of the DSTATCOM considering TACPL minimization.