Line loss minimization in radial distribution systems using multiple STATCOMs and static capacitors

Abstract

This paper presents line loss minimization in a radial distribution system using multiple Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) and static capacitors. The reactive current references of the STATCOMs and the number of installed static capacitors for line loss minimization are derived. Under line loss minimization, the reactive current of each load is completely compensated by the closest STATCOMs at the left and right sides of the load. The compensating reactive currents of the STATCOMs for each load can be calculated by the line resistances between the STATCOMs and the reactive current of the load. The number of installed static capacitors for line loss minimization is selected as the closest integer to the optimal real number for achieving line loss minimization. The effectiveness of the proposed line loss minimization is verified experimentally using a laboratory prototype system.