ARCHIVES

The paper demonstrates how the Catch Fish Optimization Algorithm (CFOA) can be applied to simultaneous Optimal Network Reconfiguration (ONR) and optimal location of Distributed Generators (DGs) and Shunt Capacitors (SCs) to reduce Active Power Losses (APL), maximize Voltage Profile (VP), and increase Distribution System (DS) stability. CFOA is modeled after the fishing pattern of the rural fishermen and functions in two big events, namely exploration and exploitation. The exploration phase involves personal and group search means founded on experience, intuition, and group tactics of fishing, whereas the exploitation phase aims at collecting around known fish groups so as to come up with the best solutions. The analysis explores four methods of power loss mitigation and voltage augmentation network reconfiguration: DG installation, SC installation, and concomitant ONR with the DG and SC location. When comparing and analyzing data, it is evident that concurrent optimization of ONR, DGs, and SCs is far more effective in minimizing power losses and enhancing voltage stability as compared to utilization of these individual techniques. The success of the suggested CFOA-based approach is confirmed using IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus distribution test systems.