Abstract

This study investigates the optimal placement and sizing of Unified Power Quality Conditioners (UPQCs) for enhancing voltage profiles and reducing power losses in distribution networks, using the Meerkat Optimization Algorithm (MOA). The methodology was validated on the IEEE 33-bus radial test system and a real-world 65-bus, 33kV Kikagata/Mbarara feeder from the UEDCL distribution network. The simulation model was developed in MATLAB/Simulink and incorporated load flow analysis based on the Newton-Raphson method. The objective function minimized active power losses while maintaining voltage levels within acceptable limits. Results demonstrated that the integration of UPQCs using MOA significantly improved system performance. In the IEEE 33-bus test system, total power losses were reduced by 37.51%, while in the 65-bus UEDCL feeder, losses decreased by 28.65%. Additionally, voltage profiles across the buses were enhanced, with all nodes maintaining voltages above the critical 0.95 p.u. threshold. Comparative analysis showed that MOA outperformed Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) in both loss minimization and voltage regulation. This research underscores the effectiveness of MOA for UPQC deployment in real and simulated networks. Future studies should consider renewable energy integration, dynamic load modeling, and unbalanced three-phase systems. The findings provide a valuable decision-making tool for utilities seeking to improve distribution efficiency and power quality.

Key words: Power Loss Reduction, Voltage Profile Enhancement, Distribution Network, Load Flow Analysis, IEEE 33-Bus System, UEDCL Feeder Optimization.