A Novel Framework for Operation of Capacitor Banks in Non/Semi/Fully-Automated Distribution Networks

Nowadays, distribution systems have different levels of automation due to the need for massive investment. The optimal operation of capacitor banks (CBs) is a widely-used approach to improve the performance of these systems. Therefore, the optimal operation of CBs in distribution systems with any level of automation is essential. This paper introduces a novel framework for the operation of CBs in the non/semi/fully-automated distribution networks based on two timescales of day-ahead and near-to-real-time applications. In this framework, the linear current injection power flow method to properly study CB effects on the system is developed, including i) modeling vector group transformer, ii) modeling induction motors, iii) plotting the PV curve of motor loads as indices to assess the efficiency of CB on the voltage system, and iv) developing a fast power flow method with a low computational burden. Besides, the optimization problem of CBs control as the core of the proposed framework is reformulated, considering the level of network automation. The accuracy of the developed framework is evaluated on the IEEE 37-bus and 123-bus test systems. The obtained results verify the efficiency and superiority of the proposed framework.