A Study of Distribution Line Loss Minimization and Voltage Regulation Using Upfc by Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Technique: (A Case Study in Dukem Eastern Industry Zone Distribution Line)

Abstract

This study addresses critical performance issues, specifically poor voltage regulation and high power loss, found in Feeder 5 of the Dukem Eastern Industry Zone (EIZ) substation, which operates within Ethiopia’s radial power network. Initial analysis revealed that most bus voltages were unacceptably low (dropping to 0.915 p.u.), accompanied by significant power losses totaling 1,315.91 kW of active power and 700.63 kVAR of reactive power. To mitigate these problems and enhance system efficiency, the research proposed integrating a Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC). The optimal placement and sizing of the UPFC were determined using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. The system was simulated in MATLAB, and the results demonstrated the solution's success: the total active power loss was substantially reduced to 576.79 kW, and reactive power loss dropped to 398.82 kVAR. Furthermore, the voltage profiles across all weak buses were significantly improved, successfully bringing them back within the standard operational range to ensure high-quality power delivery to consumers.