Optimal conductor selection and capacitor placement in radial distribution system using nonlinear AC load flow equations and dynamic load model

Summary This paper presents a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model to solve the conductor gradation optimization problem of radial distribution systems. The conductor size selection and capacitor allocation problem are solved using exact AC load flow equations. The dynamic load characteristics have been considered in this model. The main objective is to realize both the thermal limit constraints and the bus voltage limit constraints. This is done while minimizing the capital cost of the conductors, the capacitors costs, and the energy loss cost of the different conductors. A 117‐bus radial feeder system has been considered to verify the presented nonlinear model.