Minimization of Power Losses in Distribution System using Modified Plant Growth Simulation Algorithm (MPGSA)

Pankaj Tripathi, Ishwar Singh, Chanchal Chaurasia, Mohit Jain

Reactive Power Compensation, MPGSA, Capacitor Placement, Loss Sensitivity Factor, Distribution System, Loss Reduction.

Distribution system is the bridge between the high voltage transmission system and the consumer. The important requirement of a distribution system is that it should have less losses and better voltage profile. A substantial amount of power is lost in the distribution system in the form of losses. Technical losses are mainly the power dissipation in the electrical system. Losses can be reduced by placing the optimal sized capacitors at optimum locations of the buses. The objective is to achieve the optimal value satisfying the system constraints. This also improves the voltage profile of the test systems. The solution methodology has been discussed into two parts. In first part, the candidate buses for the compensation shall be selected using loss sensitivity factors and in the second part, sizing of the capacitors shall be done by applying modified plant growth simulation algorithm (MPGSA). MPGSA is based on growth laws of plant by which a probability model of plant growth can be designed. MPGSA is modified version of Plant Growth Simulation Algorithm (PGSA).  Earlier PGSA had only one new basic point but in this proposed work, MPGSA generates many new basic points in each generation which results into improved optimizing efficiency. The proposed method is applied to IEEE 15 and 34 bus radial distribution systems. This method gives better results as compared to other methods.