Fuzzy logic based optimal placement of voltage regulators and capacitors for distribution systems efficiency improvement

Electric power systems in most developing countries, especially Ethiopia, are fed by radial distribution systems (RDSs), which serve as the final link between the high voltage transmission system and the consumers. In this paper, a fuzzy logic optimization method was presented for the efficient location of voltage regulators (VR) and capacitors in distribution systems (DSs). An investigation of Gondar power distribution system was performed specifically at the Gondar feeder in Gondar, Ethiopia which has 60 nodes with a total capacity of 3.413 MW. The Gondar distribution system (DS) is classified into different zones for the purpose of proper operation and supply of electricity. The minimum bus voltage is 0.8515 p.u., while the active and reactive power losses of the feeder are 377.75kW and 222.51 KVAR respectively. Voltages and power loss (PL) indices of the DS nodes were modeled using fuzzy membership functions. A fuzzy expert system (FES) containing a set of heuristic rules was used to determine the voltage regulator (VR) and capacitor placement suitability index. The load flow analysis of the system was simulated using NEPLAN MATLAB software before and after recompense. The effectiveness of the results obtained from both the voltage regulator and capacitor placement optimality using the proposed method are presented and compared. Capacitor placement, Fuzzy expert system, Radial distribution system, NEPLAN, Tap position, Voltage regulator, MATLAB.