Dynamic Control of D-STATCOMs for Mitigating Charging Station Impacts in Photovoltaic Distribution Systems Using Enhanced Hunter–Prey Optimization

This study investigates the dynamic control and optimal allocation of Distribution Static Compensators (D-STATCOMs) in PV–EV integrated distribution systems to mitigate the impacts of voltage fluctuations, increased power losses, and reactive power imbalances. An Enhanced Hunter–Prey Optimization (EHPO) algorithm is proposed in the study, incorporating chaotic initialization, adaptive parameter control, and Cauchy's mutation exploration strategy to improve global search capability and convergence reliability. The proposed method is validated on the IEEE 33, 69, and 118 bus distribution test systems under varying PV generation and EV charging demand scenarios. Results show that the EHPO-based D-STATCOM placement significantly reduces active power losses and enhances voltage stability. The findings highlight the effectiveness of combining advanced metaheuristic optimization with custom power devices to ensure the resilient, reliable, and sustainable operation of future EV–PV–dominated distribution networks.