Optimal D-STATCOM operation in power distribution systems to minimize energy losses and CO2 emissions: a master–slave methodology based on metaheuristic techniques

In this paper, we address the problem of intelligent operation of Distribution Static Synchronous Compensators (D-STATCOMs) in power distribution systems to reduce energy losses and CO2 emissions while improving system operating conditions. In addition, we consider the entire set of constraints inhe...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Bolaños, Rubén Iván, Torres-Mancilla, Cristopher Enrique, Grisales-Noreña, Luis Fernando, Montoya, Oscar Danilo, Hernández, Jesús C.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Jaén
Repositorio:RUJA. Repositorio Institucional de la Producción Científica de la Universidad de Jaén
OAI Identifier:oai:ruja.ujaen.es:10953/6638
Acceso en línea:https://www.mdpi.com/2413-4155/7/3/98
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7030098
https://hdl.handle.net/10953/6638
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:D-STATCOM
power distribution systems
energy losses
CO2 emissions
master–slave methodology
renewable energy operation
continuous optimization algorithms
variable demand
hourly power flow
621.35
Descripción
Sumario:In this paper, we address the problem of intelligent operation of Distribution Static Synchronous Compensators (D-STATCOMs) in power distribution systems to reduce energy losses and CO2 emissions while improving system operating conditions. In addition, we consider the entire set of constraints inherent in the operation of such networks in an environment with D-STATCOMs. To solve such a problem, we used three master–slave methodologies based on sequential programming methods. In the proposed methodologies, the master stage solves the problem of intelligent D-STATCOM operation using the continuous versions of the Monte Carlo (MC) method, the population-based genetic algorithm (PGA), and the Particle Swarm Optimizer (PSO). The slave stage, for its part, evaluates the solutions proposed by the algorithms to determine their impact on the objective functions and constraints representing the problem. This is accomplished by running an Hourly Power Flow (HPF) based on the method of successive approximations. As test scenarios, we employed the 33- and 69-node radial test systems, considering data on power demand and CO2 emissions reported for the city of Medellín in Colombia (as documented in the literature). Furthermore, a test system was adapted in this work to the demand characteristics of a feeder located in the city of Talca in Chile. This adaptation involved adjusting the conductors and voltage limits to include a test system with variations in power demand due to seasonal changes throughout the year (spring, winter, autumn, and summer). Demand curves were obtained by analyzing data reported by the local network operator, i.e., Compañía General de Electricidad. To assess the robustness and performance of the proposed optimization approach, each scenario was simulated 100 times. The evaluation metrics included average solution quality, standard deviation, and repeatability. Across all scenarios, the PGA consistently outperformed the other methods tested. Specifically, in the 33-node system, the PGA achieved a 24.646% reduction in energy losses and a 0.9109% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the base case. In the 69-node system, reductions reached 26.0823% in energy losses and 0.9784% in CO2 emissions compared to the base case. Notably, in the case of the Talca feeder—particularly during summer, the most demanding season—the PGA yielded the most significant improvements, reducing energy losses by 33.4902% and CO2 emissions by 1.2805%. Additionally, an uncertainty analysis was conducted to validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed optimization methodology under realistic operating variability. A total of 100 randomized demand profiles for both active and reactive power were evaluated. The results demonstrated the scalability and consistent performance of the proposed strategy, confirming its effectiveness under diverse and practical operating conditions.