The efficiency of electrical distribution systems is being more affected by the increase in voltage drops and power losses. These issues of voltage drop and power loss can be significantly minimized by the incorporation of a Distribution Static Compensator (DSTATCOM) in the distribution network. However, inappropriate positioning and sizing of DSTATCOM can undermine its efficiency. Despite the contributions of many researchers to the optimal placement of DSTATCOM and other compensators in distribution networks, the problems of voltage drop, power losses, and power quality persist, necessitating the need for additional research in this area. In this paper, an innovative technique based on hybridized Immune and Genetic Algorithm (IA-GA) for optimal DSTATCOM placement and sizing for three distinct load levels is proposed. Simulation and analysis of the proposed algorithm were carried out using IEEE-33 bus radial distribution network (RDN) in MATLAB. The simulation results demonstrate a substantial decrease in power loss and a significant improvement in the voltage profile. Evaluation of the proposed method against existing techniques reveals that the proposed technique outperforms IA and PSO in terms of decreasing power loss and enhancement of voltage profiles. A cost-benefit analysis was performed, and it was discovered that the proposed technique yields improved annual cost savings.

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