Techno-Financial Analysis of Optimal Capacitor Placement and Design, Selection and Injection of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in Jomsom Distribution Feeder

Abstract

One of the challenging tasks of the concerned distribution authorities is to transmit the quality of power with proper reliability to the consumers. The aim of the authorities is to transmit maximum power with minimum losses and maintain a good voltage profile so that the power factor is improved and hence power transfer capability increases. Although it is almost impossible to reduce the losses to zero, power losses can be minimized. One of the ways to minimize the losses and improve the voltage profile and voltage stability is by supplying reactive power into the system, which is possibly by means of various compensating techniques such as injection of capacitor banks or Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) into the system. Usually, the voltage sags along the Radial Distribution System and is maximum at the sending end of the Distribution System and minimum at the ends of the feeder. This voltage can be improved through the injection of compensating devices or Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) taking into account both the technical and financial aspects into consideration. This research employs the Standard IEEE 10 bus system as the test bus for validation, which is carried out by comparing the results with the published research works. Then, the same methodology is applied for Jomsom Distribution Feeder for performance improvement of the distribution system through Optimal Capacitor Placement and grid impact analysis of injection of Grid Connected Solar and Wind Power Plant in the system. The bus voltages at each node, power losses, voltage regulation, voltage profile, and total annual costs are compared for both the cases, i.e. before and after compensation through capacitor banks and injection of DERs. The total savings in annual cost is computed in both these cases. Power losses is reduced by 18.5 % and 14.5 % for Standard IEEE 10 bus system and Jomsom Distribution Feeder respectively due to Optimal Placement of Capacitor banks in the feeder. Voltage Regulation is improved from 16.25 % to 11.63 % for Standard IEEE 10 bus system and from 18.24 % to 5.54 % for Jomsom Distribution Feeder after Optimal Capacitor Placement. There is saving in $ 23,955.084 annually for Standard IEEE 10 bus system and $3,806 annually for Jomsom Distribution System, Kobang due to Optimal Capacitor Placement in Distribution System. Further injection of DERs in the distribution system feeder improves the voltage profile and helps in power loss reduction.