Optimization of tap settings and capacitor units with expert system on distribution system

An expert system method for discrete VAr optimization on distribution system is presented in this paper. The expert system can aid the planning engineers to make an initial feasible solution, and to decide the position of transformer tap settings and the number of capacitor units. The proposed expert system combined with the mixed-integer programming (MIP) method can solve the discrete VAr planning problem. The tap setting optimization is discussed in detail. A numerical simulation using practical system conditions with significant results is demonstrated. The proposed method is effective to solve the VAr optimization problem.<<ETX>>