Optimal Placement and Sizing of STATCOM for Loss Reduction and Voltage Profile Enhancement Using Genetic Algorithm

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 16 | 02 | Page :
    By

    Maduabuchi, A. U.,

  • K. E. Orie,

  1. Student, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Rivers State University, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
  2. Lecturer, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Rivers State University, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Electric power distribution networks frequently experience significant power losses and voltage profile deterioration due to increasing load demand and inadequate reactive power compensation. This study investigates the enhancement of the Eleme distribution network in Rivers State through voltage upgrading and optimal deployment of a Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM). The existing network consists of a 5.56 km, 11 kV radial distribution system supplying seventeen distribution transformers with a cumulative load demand of 3.87 MW. EasyPower software was used to do load flow analysis in order to assess the current network’s operational performance. Subsequently, the network voltage level was upgraded from 11 kV to 33 kV, and a Genetic Algorithm (GA) implemented in MATLAB software was utilized to determine the optimal location and size of the STATCOM for reactive power compensation. The study employed per-unit system calculations to obtain the line parameters of the upgraded 33 kV network. Simulation results revealed substantial reductions in system losses following network upgrading and STATCOM integration. Real power losses decreased from 168.8 kW in the existing network to 79.0 kW after voltage upgrading, representing a 43.24% reduction. Further incorporation of the optimally located STATCOM reduced losses to 39.3 kW, yielding an additional 38.83% reduction. Reactive power losses also declined significantly from 320 kVAr to 129.3 kVAr following voltage upgrading and subsequently to 126 kVAr after STATCOM deployment. The Genetic Algorithm identified Bus 16 as the optimal STATCOM location with a compensation capacity of 33.5 kVAr. The findings demonstrate that voltage upgrading combined with intelligent reactive power compensation can significantly improve distribution system efficiency, reduce losses, and enhance overall network performance.

Keywords: Distribution Network, STATCOM, Genetic Algorithm, Voltage Profile Improvement, Power Loss Reduction

How to cite this article:
Maduabuchi, A. U., K. E. Orie. Optimal Placement and Sizing of STATCOM for Loss Reduction and Voltage Profile Enhancement Using Genetic Algorithm. Journal of Power Electronics and Power Systems. 2026; 16(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Maduabuchi, A. U., K. E. Orie. Optimal Placement and Sizing of STATCOM for Loss Reduction and Voltage Profile Enhancement Using Genetic Algorithm. Journal of Power Electronics and Power Systems. 2026; 16(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopeps/article=2026/view=249138


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 16
02
Received 01/07/2026
Accepted 02/07/2026
Published 06/07/2026
Publication Time 5 Days
1

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