Capacitor Bank Placement Enhancement Using Grey Wolf Algorithm for Reducing Harmonics in Low-Voltage Radial Distribution Networks

Happy Aprillia; Oik Rizki Septianto; Barokatun Hasanah; Suratno Suratno

doi:10.59261/jequi.v8i3.365

Authors

Happy Aprillia Institut Teknologi Kalimantan
Oik Rizki Septianto Institut Teknologi Kalimantan
Barokatun Hasanah Institut Teknologi Kalimantan
Suratno Suratno Politeknik Negeri Samarinda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59261/jequi.v8i3.365

Keywords:

Backward Forward Sweep, Grey Wolf Algorithm, Harmonics, Capacitor Bank, Power Quality, Total Harmonic Distortion

Abstract

Background: Low-voltage distribution systems are increasingly affected by harmonic distortion due to nonlinear loads, leading to power losses, reduced efficiency, and poor power quality. Capacitor banks are commonly used for reactive power compensation; however, improper placement may worsen harmonic conditions due to resonance effects.

Objective: This study aims to optimize capacitor bank placement in a low-voltage radial distribution system while improving power quality and minimizing harmonic distortion using the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO).

Method: A quantitative, simulation-based approach was applied using a 12-bus radial distribution model of an integrated laboratory system. Power flow analysis was conducted using the Backward/Forward Sweep (BFS) method, while optimization of capacitor placement and sizing was performed using the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), considering multi-objective criteria including power loss, total harmonic distortion of current (THDI), total harmonic distortion of voltage (THDV), and power factor.

Result: The proposed GWO allocated a total of 1000 kVAr across selected buses, resulting in a 4.41% reduction in active power loss, a decrease in THDV from 6.181% to 1.517%, and an improvement in power factor to unity (1.0 pu). However, THDI remained at 18.71%, exceeding IEEE 519-2014 limits, indicating the need for additional harmonic filtering solutions.

Conclusion: The Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) is effective for optimizing capacitor placement and improving voltage-related power quality. However, additional harmonic mitigation techniques are required to comprehensively address current distortion.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Ahmad, F., & Khan, M. A. (2020). Power Loss Reduction In Radial Distribution Systems Using Capacitor Placement. International Journal Of Electrical Power And Energy Systems, 116, 105576. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.Ijepes.2019.105576

Ali, E. S., Abd Elazim, S. M., & Abdelaziz, A. Y. (2016). Optimal Allocation And Sizing Of Capacitors In Radial Distribution Systems Using Grey Wolf Optimization. International Journal Of Renewable Energy Research, 6(4), 1345–1352.

Barlian, R., Pratama, S., & Susanti, D. (2020). Resonansi Harmonisa Akibat Penempatan Kapasitor Yang Tidak Tepat. Jurnal Teknik Elektro, 12(3), 50–58.

Chamdareno, P. G., Nugraha, I. P. A. A., & Budiyanto, B. (2026). Pengaruh Beban Non-Linier Dengan Harmonisa Pada Sistem Kelistrikan Gedung Perkantoran Terhadap Efisiensi Dan Suhu Trafo Distribusi 2500 Kva Dengan Simulasi Software Etap (Studi Kasus PT Pamapersada Nusantara JIEP). Resistor (Elektronika Kendali Telekomunikasi Tenaga Listrik Komputer), 9(1).

El-Fergany, A. A., & Abdelaziz, A. Y. (2014). Capacitor Placement For Loss Reduction In Distribution Systems Using Grey Wolf Optimizer. Journal Of Electrical Systems, 10(3), 245–256.

Ghatak, S., & Mukherjee, V. (2017). Capacitor Placement In Radial Distribution System: A Review. Renewable And Sustainable Energy Reviews, 71, 597–606. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.Rser.2016.12.097

Hachemi, A., Cherkaoui, M., & Ouali, A. (2023). Optimization Of Capacitor Placement In Distribution Networks Using Metaheuristic Algorithms. Journal Of Electrical Engineering And Technology, 18(4), 1234–1245. https://doi.org/10.1007/S42835-022-01234-5

Ibnu, F., Fardan, F. I. I., & Erlinasari, E. (2025). Pengaruh Variasi Kapasitor Terhadap Faktor Daya Dan Stabilitas Tegangan Pada Sistem Elektronika. Akiratech, 2(2), 71–77.

IEEE. (2014). Ieee Recommended Practice And Requirements For Harmonic Control In Electric Power Systems. In IEEE Std 519-2014.

Jalil, A., Santoso, B., & Wijaya, C. (2019). Analisis Kebutuhan Daya Di Sektor Pendidikan. Jurnal Teknik Elektro, 10(1), 15–22.

Judijanto, L., Rustiyana, R., Indrayani, N., Juwita, R., & Yusuf, M. (2025). Teknologi Masa Depan Dan Revolusi Industri. PT Sonpedia Publishing Indonesia.

Koerniawan, M. D., & Hasanah, B. (2019). Dampak Harmonisa Pada Sistem Distribusi. Jurnal Teknik Elektro Indonesia, 8(2), 30–38.

Mathenge, S. W. (2025). Optimal Sizing And Placement Of Capacitors In A Radial Network Based On Crow Search Algorithm.

Mirjalili, S., Mirjalili, S. M., & Lewis, A. (2014). Grey Wolf Optimizer. Advances In Engineering Software, 69, 46–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.Advengsoft.2013.12.007

Murillo, S., & Aguila Téllez, A. (2026). Simultaneous Integration Of Photovoltaic Systems And Capacitor Banks In Radial Distribution Networks Via The Grey Wolf Optimizer For Steady-State Voltage Regulation And Active Power Loss Minimization. Designs, 10(3), 51.

Nugroho, T. W., Mustaqim, I., & Wardhana, A. S. J. (2025). Studi Kualitas Daya Listrik (Power Quality) Di Bangunan Gedung XYZ. Jurnal Informatika Dan Teknik Elektro Terapan, 13(2).

PLN. (2025). Laporan Konsumsi Daya Sektor Pendidikan Indonesia.

Romadhon, M. I. (2025). Kualitas Daya Pada Microgrid Gangguan, Standar, Dan Studi Kasus. Knowledge On Sustainability, Longevity, And Interdisciplinary, 1(2), 18–38.

Sukendar, T., Sinambela, R., Awaludin, M., & Gani, A. G. (2024). Analisa Faktor Daya Menggunakan Capacitor Bank Untuk Meningkatkan Kualitas Daya Listrik Di Wisma Nusantara Internasional. JSI (Jurnal Sistem Informasi) Universitas Suryadarma, 11(2), 257–266.

Sundar, R., Ashokaraju, D., Dharmaraj, T., Thangaraj, D., Sabarish, P., Rajakumar, P., & Mwanandiye, E. S. (2026). Distributed Generation And Shunt Capacitor Allocation In Radial Distribution Power Networks Using A Hybrid Optimization Approach. Scientific Reports.