Optimal Placement of Dynamic Voltage Restorer in Distribution System using Water Cycle Algorithm Techniques for Power Quality Enhancement

Abstract

The increasing integration of sensitive loads and Renewable Energy Sources (RES) into modern distribution networks has intensified power quality issues such as voltage deviations and excessive distribution losses. This study addresses these challenges using a Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR). It is anticipated that optimal placement and sizing of the DVR within the distribution corridor, utilizing a metaheuristic optimization method, will significantly enhance voltage stability and reduce power losses. The proposed metaheuristic approach—based on the Water Cycle Algorithm (WCA)—was tested and benchmarked against the Firefly Algorithm (FFA) on an IEEE 69-bus radial distribution system within a MATLAB/Simulink environment. Simulation results confirmed the superiority of the WCA over FFA by optimally placing and sizing the DVR at Bus 66 with a capacity of 298.45 kVA, compared to the FFA's placement at Bus 65 with 284.26 kVA. The WCA achieved a reduction in active and reactive power losses by 41.78% and 27.45%, respectively, and improved voltage deviation by 16.35%. In contrast, the FFA achieved reductions of 26.46% in active power loss, 13.65% in reactive power loss, and 10.28% in voltage deviation.