Improved Harmony Algorithm and Power Loss Index for optimal locations and sizing of capacitors in radial distribution systems

• IHA is proposed for optimal allocations and sizing of capacitors.
• The objective function is designed to reduce the total cost.
• The proposed algorithm is tested on various radial distribution systems.
• The effectiveness of IHA is verified compared with other algorithms.

In this paper, an Improved Harmony Algorithm (IHA) is proposed for optimal allocations and sizing of capacitors in various distribution systems. Initially, Power Loss Index (PLI) is introduced to get the highest candidate buses for installing capacitors. Then, the proposed IHA is employed to decide the most optimal locations of capacitors and their sizing from the elected buses by PLI. The objective function is designed to reduce the total cost and losses and consequently, to increase the net saving per year. The proposed algorithm is tested on three different radial distribution systems. The obtained results via the proposed algorithm are compared with others to highlight its benefits. Moreover, the results are introduced to verify the effectiveness of the suggested algorithm under different loading conditions.