Optimal distribution network reconfiguration for harmonic mitigation using PSO Sungguminasa 165-bus system with DG and passive filters

Abstract

The increasing penetration of distributed generation (DG) and nonlinear loads in medium-voltage distribution networks have intensified harmonic distortion, causing poor power quality, higher losses, and potential equipment malfunction. This study proposes a comprehensive optimization framework that combines distribution system reconfiguration (DSR), optimal DG placement, and passive harmonic filter (PHF) allocation using an enhanced particle swarm optimization (PSO) method under coordinated scenarios. The framework simultaneously minimizes total harmonic distortion (THD), active power losses, and voltage deviation while satisfying operational constraints such as network radiality, %THDv limits, and acceptable voltage profiles. A case study is conducted on the 165-bus Sungguminasa distribution network using realistic load data and harmonic characteristics of nonlinear customers. Simulation results show that the proposed PSO-based multiobjective optimization reduces %THDv by 54.38%, decreases power losses by 34.26%, and improves the voltage profile by 0.65% compared with the base configuration. The coordinated application of DSR, DG, and PHF consistently outperforms individual mitigation strategies, demonstrating its practical and economic effectiveness for improving power quality in modern distribution systems. The framework therefore offers utilities a reliable approach for increasingly complex distribution networks.