Capacitor placement for net saving maximization and system stability enhancement in distribution networks using artificial bee colony-based approach

•A heuristic-based ABC approach is applied to maximize benefits of OCP.•System static voltage stability index is enhanced.•Significant peak active power loss reductions are realized.•Minimum injected VArs in a minimum allocations are ascertained.•High quality solutions and with stable convergence are guaranteed.

This manuscript introduces an approach to allocate static capacitors along radial distribution networks using the artificial bee colony algorithm. In general practice the high potential buses for capacitor placement are initially identified using loss sensitivity factors. However, that method has proven less than satisfactory as loss sensitivity factors may not always indicate the appropriate placement. In the proposed approach, the algorithm identifies optimal sizing and placement and takes the final decision for optimum location within the number of buses nominated. The result is enhancement of the overall system stability index and potential achievement of maximum net savings. The overall accuracy and reliability of the approach have been validated and tested on radial distribution systems with differing topologies and of varying sizes and complexities. In the manuscript the results are compared with those obtained using recent heuristic methods and show that the proposed approach is capable of producing high-quality solutions with good performance of convergence, and demonstrated viability.