Optimal Capacitor Placement in Wind Farms by Considering Harmonics Using Discrete Lightning Search Algorithm

Abstract

Currently, many wind farms exist throughout the world and, in some cases, supply a significant portion of energy to networks. However, numerous uncertainties remain with respect to the amount of energy generated by wind turbines and other sophisticated operational aspects, such as voltage and reactive power management, which requires further development and consideration. To fix the problem of poor reactive power compensation in wind farms, optimal capacitor placement has been proposed in existing wind farms as a simple and relatively inexpensive method. However, the use of induction generators, transformers, and additional capacitors represent potential problems for the harmonics of a system and therefore must be taken into account at wind farms. The optimal location and size of capacitors at buses of an 80-MW wind farm were determined according to modelled wind speed, system equivalent circuits, and harmonics in order to minimize energy losses, optimize reactive power and reduce the management costs. The discrete version of the lightning search algorithm (DLSA) is a powerful and flexible nature-inspired optimization technique that was developed and implemented herein for optimal capacitor placement in wind farms. The obtained results are compared with the results of the genetic algorithm (GA) and the discrete harmony search algorithm (DHSA).

Lightning search algorithm: a comprehensive survey

“…Therefore, it became something that required further consideration and updates. A discrete LSA is proposed for solving the wind frames [ 70 ]. The use of inductive generators, additional transformers and capacitors is a problem for system harmonics, so interest in wind farms is required.…”

“…However, the potential problems with system harmonics represented by the use of induction generators and additional capacitors as well as inverters, so they must be considered. A new version of the lightning search algorithm is proposed as a robust optimization technique to solve wind farms [ 70 ]. The results illustrated that the proposed algorithm archived better results in comparison with other optimization methods.…”

Novel dynamic semiempirical proton exchange membrane fuel cell model incorporating component voltages

“…Lightning search algorithm is a metaheuristic approach based on the natural lightning phenomenon, where the concept of fast particles known as projectiles is used to demonstrate how the step leader determines the optimal location to strike during lightning. The details and implementation steps of LSA are found in Shareef, Sirjani and Sirjani.…”

Active Power Loss Reduction for Radial Distribution Systems by Placing Capacitors and PV Systems with Geography Location Constraints

“…Thus, installing capacitors plays a very important role in reducing total power losses and improving the voltage profile of distribution networks. In fact, appropriately selecting the number of capacitors and the location and capacity of individual capacitors are very important issues 2 of 30 in designing and operating distribution networks [6][7][8][9][10] where the higher the number of capacitors is installed, the better of voltage profile is, but also the higher investment and operating costs we have to pay.…”