An ACO Algorithm for Optimal Capacitor Banks Placement in Power Distribution Networks

Dinu Călin SECUI, Simona DZIŢAC, Gabriel Valentin BENDEA
University of Oradea
Romania

Ioan DZIŢAC
Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad & Cercetare Dezvoltare Agora (R&D Agora)
Oradea, Romania

Abstract: This paper aims to present and apply an algorithm based on Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) for optimal allocation of capacitor banks in electric power distribution networks. A nonlinear function based on costs is used as a criterion of the mathematical optimization model. Also the model imposes equality constraints described by the network operating equations and inequality constraints required to maintain within admissible limits the parameters characterizing the system state. The algorithm is applied for a test-network having 35 nodes, the results indicating its validity and efficiency.

Keywords: Ant colony optimization algorithm (ACO), capacitor banks placement, power loss reduction.

Dinu C. Secui received his M.Sc. in Power Engineering (1993) from Technical University of Timisoara and Ph.D. in Energy Engineering (2003) from University of Oradea. Now he is reader at Energy Engineering Faculty, University of Oradea, Romania. His current research interests include different aspects of Reliability in Power Systems and Optimization Techniques in Power Engineering. He has authored 3 books and more than 60 scientific papers in journals and conferences proceedings. He participated at 11 research grants and projects.

Simona Dziţac received B.Sc. (2000) and M. Sc. (2001) in Mathematics-Physics, B.Sc. (2005) and M. Sc. (2007) and Ph.D. (2008) in Energy Engineering from University of Oradea and B.Sc. in Economic Informatics (2007) from University of Craiova, Romania. Her current research interests include Reliability, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science in Engineering fields. She (co-)authored 8 books and 65 scientific papers in journals and conferences proceedings.

Gabriel V. Bendea received his M.Sc. in Power Engineering (1992) from Technical University of Timisoara and Ph.D. in Energy Engineering (2001) from University of Oradea. Now he is reader at Energy Engineering Faculty, University of Oradea, Romania. His current research interests include different aspects of Power System Reliability and Power Generation. He has authored 6 books and more than 55 scientific papers in journals and conferences proceedings. He participated at 22 research grants and projects.

Ioan Dziţac received his M.Sc. in Mathematics (1977) and Ph. D in Information Sciences (2002) from “Babes-Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoca. Now he is professor at Mathematics-Informatics Department, Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, Romania and director of R&D Agora, Oradea, Romania. His current research interests include different aspects of Artificial intelligence and Distributed systems. He has (co-)authored 18 books and more than 70 papers, more than 50 de conferences participation, member in International Program Committee of 40 conference and workshops.

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CITE THIS PAPER AS:
Dinu Călin SECUI, Simona DZIŢAC, Gabriel Valentin BENDEA, Ioan DZIŢAC, An ACO Algorithm for Optimal Capacitor Banks Placement in Power Distribution Networks, Studies in Informatics and Control, ISSN 1220-1766, vol. 18 (4), pp. 305-314, 2009.