Redundancy-based approach for optimal number and location of power quality monitors in distribution systems with binary imperialist competitive approach

Abstract

This article deals with optimal employment of power quality monitors (PQMs) in distribution networks on the basis of the idea of monitor reach area. The proposed model uses binary string, representing the installation mode of PQMs (Yes or No) in each bus of the network. In the current article, the binary version of the imperialist competitive algorithm (BICA) is used. Because it has the ability of enhancing the search potential with a rapid and secure convergence rate in the optimization process. The concept of redundancy is considered in this study. The overall cost function is formulated to optimize the two indices. The first one is the index of monitoring overlap, and the second one is the index of sag severity. Among the solutions that yield a full reachable power network and the objective function experiments the minimum value, the final optimal answer will be extracted through evaluating the redundancy. With an excellent redundancy with respect to other solutions, the buses of the system faced with faults are monitored more times, on an average. In the current research, DIGSILENT software is used in short-circuit analysis, whereas the BICA manages the optimization process. Simulation and comparison are performed on the 69-bus distribution system.