Improving the Voltage Stability of Distribution Network Using Capacitor Banks and PV Arrays Based on OpenDSS

This study endeavors to enhance the voltage profile, mitigate energy losses, and narrow the gap between electricity generation and consumption in the Al-Gharab distribution network in Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq. The Al-Gharab radial distribution network is afflicted by voltage drops and fluctuations, frequent power interruptions, and power losses. The researchers are studying the potential of supporting the network with the Capacitor Banks (CBs) and incorporating Photovoltaic arrays (PV arrays) as a means of improving its performance. The proposed system is simulated using Matlab and Open Distribution System Simulator (OpenDSS). The optimal placement and size of the CBs are determined using the AutoAdd Optimization (AAO) technique, while the optimal size and location of PV arrays are determined by implementing the Archimedes Optimization Algorithm (AOA). The proposed system is simulated and the results are analyzed and extracted under various scenarios as follows: a. Base case system analysis, b. Integration of PV arrays, c. Integration of CBs without PV arrays, and d. Integration of CBs with PV arrays. Also, the CBs integration contains multi scenarios. The results showed that the best improvement of the network performance was obtained in the case of integration of the CBs with PV arrays, especially the scenario of integration of three units of CBs with PV arrays. Where the minimum voltage improved from (0.91848 pu) to (0.975 pu), and the total active and reactive power losses were decreased by (85 %) and (51 %) respectively.