A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Optimal Active and Reactive Power Compensators and Voltage Conditioners Allocation in a Real Egyptian Distribution System

Improving the performance of distribution networks is an important goal for power system operators. Many technologies can make this required improvement, such as network reconfiguration or reinforcement, supplying the grid with active and reactive power compensators such as distributed power generation units (DGs), shunt capacitor banks (CBs), or installation of voltage conditioners such as voltage regulators (VRs). In this regard, a new methodology called Archimedes optimization algorithm (AOA) is employed in this work for the optimal allocation of DGs, CBs, and VRs in a real Egyptian distribution system within a multi-objective optimization problem framework. The cost-benefit analysis of the allocation problem includes the investment and running costs of the DGs, CBs, and VRs used, the benefits resulting from the reduction of power loss and purchased power from the utility, deviation of voltage from the allowable limits, voltage stability, and loading capacity minimization. Different loading scenarios are considered in this study - light, intermediate, and peak levels of demand. The requirements of the Egyptian electricity distribution code and the updated Egyptian electricity energy rate have been considered in solving the problem. The realized simulation results validated the efficiency of the proposed strategy for cost-effectively solving the allocation problem while complying with the considered linear and nonlinear constraints.