Power Loss Minimization in Distribution Networks Using PSO-Based Voltage and Reactive Power Control with D-STATCOM

Abstract

Energy consumption in Ethiopia is currently rising at a significant rate due to the country's rapidly expanding infrastructure and economy. One of the challenges is a reliable power supply with affordable energy prices and reduced CO2 emissions. Distribution feeders play a crucial role in transferring power from distribution substations to transformers near the customers' locations. However, certain issues such as low power factor, excessive loads, and long travel distances hinder their effectiveness in delivering electricity to connected customers. Voltage variations and under voltage are common problem for the Bote Town water pumping station, industries, commerce and residential end use. In this thesis, the radial distribution system's voltage profile is improved and power loss is minimized. By incorporating a D-STATCOM (Distributed Static Synchronous Compensator) into the Meki-Alemtena in order to solve these problems and enhance the voltage profile of distribution feeders The Bote town distribution feeder was used as an effective case study. Adametulu, Meki, Ziway, and Alemtena are all supplied with electricity via the Adame tulu distribution substation's numerous outgoing feeds. The Meki-Alemtena feeder was selected as the test system among these feeders because of its lengthy route and heavy loads. This study compares the voltage profile and line losses (reactive power, active power) with and without a compensating device (D-STATCOM). The PSO optimization technique and forward/backward sweep load flow analysis were used to determine the optimal placement and dimensions of the compensation devices. Subsequently, simulation findings indicate that the reactive power loss decreases from 1374.5KVar to 126.5238KVar and the active power loss decreases from 2511.1KW to 229.0662KW. The results confirm an improvement, with active and reactive power losses reduced by 90.88% and 90.79% respectively, and the minimum voltage raised to 0.96266 p.u., which is within the lower IEEE voltage limit. It is reasonable to conclude that D-STATCOM (Distribution Static Compensator) should be implemented for electrical distribution systems, particularly when reactive power, voltage fluctuations, or power quality issues are present.