Optimization of reactive power support in Power Distribution Network - An economical based study

It is well known that reactive power compensation at optimal nodes, helps in reduction of $\mathrm{I}^{2}\mathrm{R}$ loss and enhancement in bus voltage in Power Distribution Network (PDN) thereby, improvement in efficacy. This work considers financial benefit as objective function to find the optimal nodes for capacitor location and sizing in PDNs. Salp-Swarm Algorithm (SSA) has been engaged to achieve the maximum financial benefit with least capacitor cost by reducing the power loss under three different load levels (75%, 100% and 125%). SSA has been employed to two small radial PDNs and the outcomes are tabulated with the existing results under two categories (Power loss and cost). Considering 10-Bus and 15-Bus PDN, It has been observed that a maximum financial benefit have been observed under light, medium and heavy load levels. It is apparent that SSA yields better $\mathrm{I}^{2}\mathrm{R}$ loss reduction and financial benefit for PDNs despite its simplicity.