A cost-effective multi-objective optimization technique for automatic voltage regulator placement in radial distribution power network

Abstract

Optimizing distribution network operations has emerged as critical priority with a key focus on leveraging distribution system network enhancement to drive improvement in network performance.  This study aims to determine the optimal placement of Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs) in radial distribution networks to achieve superior performance. A comparative analysis of conventional and non-conventional approaches revealed the efficacy of the Adaptive and Dynamic Inertia Weight acceleration Coefficient (ADIWACO) Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm in optimizing AVR placement. Notably, the loss sensitivity factor and ADIWACO PSO variant achieved significant percentage error reductions of 50% and 51%, respectively. Furthermore, the ADIWACO variant demonstrated superior optimal searching capabilities, with a standard deviation error of 0.000426. Economic analysis validated the results, confirming that the real power loss reduction achieved through optimal AVR placement yields substantial economic benefits