Unique computer optimization program obsoletes rule-of-thumb distribution system improvement methods

Many utilities are still using rule-of-thumb methods of regulator and capacitor replacement, even though the recent advent of the computer allows for a rigorous system analysis in a short period of time. It is the purpose of this paper to compare rule-of-thumb methods on a typical system to the same system optimized by the computer and hence determine the validity of such methods. Three rule-of-thumb methods are applied to typical systems, and the annual total cost of these replacements are compared with computer optimized systems. The computer optimized systems show significantly lower cost. (LCL)