Reactive power compensation in distribution networks using cuckoo search algorithm

This manuscript presents a cuckoo search optimisation-based approach to allocate static shunt capacitors along radial distribution networks. The objective function is adapted to reduce the system peak losses and to improve the system voltage profile. Higher potential buses for capacitor placement are initially identified using power loss index. The proposed approach identifies optimal sizing and placement and takes the final decision for optimum location. The overall accuracy and reliability of the approach have been validated and tested on radial distribution systems with differing topologies and of varying sizes and complexities. The results are compared with those obtained using recent heuristic methods and show that the proposed approach is capable of producing high-quality solutions with good performance of convergence.