Abstract: Using Firefly Algorithm (FA), to optimally place the Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator (DSTATCOM) in a distribution system for enhancing power quality. In this method, the average voltage total harmonic distortion (THDV), average voltage deviation and total investment cost are considered as the objective functions, where voltage and power limits for individual buses are consider as the optimization constraints. The performance of the proposed FA is investigated using the Matlab software on the radial IEEE 16bus test system. The simulation results verify the ability of FA in accurately determining the optimal location and size of the D-STATCOM in radial distribution systems.

Keywords: D-STATCOM, Optimal placement, firefly algorithm, Voltage sag.