Application of the Bat Algorithm in the Optimal Allocation of Capacitors in Power Grids

This work proposes the application and implementation of the Bat Algorithm (BA) to solve the Optimal Allocation Problem of Capacitor Banks in electrical distribution networks. The objective is to minimize active power losses while satisfying the voltage operating limits established by current regulations. The problem consists of optimally determining the location, sizing, and operating strategy of capacitor banks, considering discrete and combinatorial decision variables. The proposed approach starts with a configuration containing a large number of capacitor banks and, through an iterative search and refinement process, progressively reduces their number, seeking to identify the configuration that satisfies the voltage constraints while simultaneously minimizing active power losses in the system. The methodology was validated on two IEEE benchmark electrical networks, one with 33 buses and another with 135 buses, considering scenarios both with and without the presence of distributed generation. The results obtained were compared with those reported for other metaheuristic techniques available in the literature, demonstrating the satisfactory performance of the proposed methodology for solving the optimal capacitor bank allocation problem.