Simultaneous allocation of soft open points and tie switches in harmonic polluted distribution networks

The growing power quality issues stemming from the higher presence of converter-based appliances in the distribution network increases the harmonic risks. Given the importance of tackling these issues to deliver high-quality power to customers, this investigation provides a promising approach focused on effectively designating soft open points (SOPs) and tie switches in the distribution networks. The objectives of this investigation include the reduction of total harmonic distortion (THD), power loss per various harmonic frequencies and the number of SOPs. To evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, the study is carried out on two well-known networks, 33-bus, and 69-bus. Through these analyses, it was shown how effectively THD, power loss, and voltage profiles are improved when SOPs and tie switches are allocated together. The outcomes of thorough analyses provide credence to the assertion that the suggested approach is very promising for mitigating power quality issues by handling uncertainties in loads by Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS). In more detail, the obtained solutions assure that the suggested method has superior power quality across the networks by maintaining the THD levels within the standard margins. Additionally, the developed model offers advantages including reduced power loss and enhanced voltage profiles, which increase the overall network efficiency, while reducing the total investment cost by reducing the number of SOPs and power loss in power distribution networks.