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The problem regarding the optimal placement and sizing of different FACTS (flexible alternating current transmission systems) in electrical distribution networks is addressed in this research by applying a master–slave optimization approach. The FACTS analyzed correspond to the unified power flow controller (UPFC), the thyristor-controlled shunt compensator (TCSC, also known as the thyristor switched capacitor, or TSC), and the static var compensator (SVC). The master stage is entrusted with defining the location and size of each FACTS device using hybrid discrete-continuous codification through the application of the black widow optimization (BWO) approach. The slave stage corresponds to the successive approximations power flow method based on the admittance grid formulation, which allows determining the expected costs of the energy losses for a one-year operation period. The numerical results in the IEEE 33-, 69-, and 85-bus grids demonstrate that the best FACTS device for locating in distribution networks is the SVC, given that, when compared to the UPFC and the TCSC, it allows for the best possible reduction in the equivalent annual investment and operating cost. A comparative analysis with the General Algebraic Modeling System software, with the aim to solve the exact mixed-integer nonlinear programming model, demonstrated the proposed BWO approach's effectiveness in determining the best location and size for the FACTS in radial distribution networks. Reductions of about 12.63 % and 13.97 % concerning the benchmark cases confirmed that the SVC is the best option for reactive power compensation in distribution grids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel improved differential evolutionary (IDE) algorithm for optimizing reactive power management (RPM) problems. The effectiveness of IDE algorithm is tested on different unimodal and multimodal benchmark functions. The objective function of the RPM is considered as the minimization of active power losses. Initially, the power flow analysis approach is employed to detect the optimal position of flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices. The proposed method is used to determine the optimal value of control variables such as generator's reactive power generation, transformer tap settings, and reactive power sources. Furthermore, the efficacy of the IDE approach is compared with other promising optimization methods such as variants of differential evolution algorithm, moth flame optimization (MFO), brainstorm‐based optimization algorithm (BSOA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) on various IEEE standard test bus (i.e., IEEE‐30, ‐57, ‐118, and ‐300) systems with active and reactive loading incorporating FACTS devices. A Static VAR compensator (SVC) for shunt compensation and a thyristor‐controlled series compensator (TCSC) for series compensation were used as FACTS devices. The proposed IDE method significantly reduces the active power loss, that is, 55.65% in IEEE 30, 39.68% in IEEE 57, 16.32% in IEEE 118, and 8.56% in IEEE 300 bus system at nominal loading. Finally, the statistical analysis such as Wilcoxon signed‐rank test (WSRT) and ANOVA test were thoroughly analysed to demonstrate the firmness and accuracy of the proposed technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices provide local reactive power support in load centers and keep bus voltages within safe operating limits. In particular, the single use of parallel FACTS devices may not improve the safe operating conditions of the system depending on the load conditions. Therefore, avoiding parallel FACTS devices' high costs is crucial and determining their optimal places in the system. For this, Static Var Compensator (SVC), one of the parallel FACTS devices, is used. This study investigated the effects of multiple uses of SVC on different load buses on the maximum load parameter of the multi-machine system in a 3-machine 9-bus power system. Moreover, bus-voltage profiles and their changes in active-reactive power are studied in detail. In this study, three analysis methods were used. These are the no SVC, the single use of SVC, and the multiple uses of SVC. The Power Systems Analysis Program (PSAT) was preferred for this simulation study. As a result of the study, using multiple SVCs increases the maximum loading parameter value and improves the bus-voltage profiles and active-reactive power changes compared to others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A constant worldwide growing load stress over a power system compelled the practice of a reactive power injection to ensure an efficient power network. For this purpose, multiple technologies exist in the knowledge market out of which this paper emphasizes the usage of the flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) and presents a comparative study of the static var compensator (SVC) with the static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), inducted in a real electric substation. The aim is to improve the power factor (PF) and power quality and to encounter reliably extreme conditions. A 220 kV electric substation was opted for the analysis, and both the static and dynamic conditions were observed with the help of a power system analysis tool termed PowerFactory-DIgSILENT. Multiple aspects were investigated via software simulations to assess the performance of the aforementioned FACTS devices, such as the voltage profile evaluation via the load flow analysis method (LFA), the harmonic response via the power quality and harmonic analysis tool, and the short-circuit response via the RMS simulation tool. The outcomes were verified and compared with permissible values included in the universal standards, such as IEC and IEEE. The superiority of the STATCOM over the SVC was proven in light of the simulative results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) is to select the most appropriate of the alternatives by evaluating many conflicting criteria together. MCDM methods are widely available in the literature and have been used in various energy problems. The key problems studied in electrical power systems in recent years have included voltage instability and voltage collapse. Different flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) equipment has been used for this purpose for decades, increasing voltage stability while enhancing system efficiency, reliability and quality of supply, and offering environmental benefits. Finding the best locations for these devices in terms of voltage stability in actual electrical networks poses a serious problem. Many criteria should be considered when determining the most suitable location for the controller. The aim of this paper is to provide a comparative analysis of MCDM techniques to be used for optimal location of a static VAR compensator (SVC) device in terms of voltage stability. The ideal location can be determined by means of sorting according to priority criteria. The proposed approach was carried out using the Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT) in MATLAB in the IEEE 14-bus test system. Using ten different MCDM methods, the most appropriate locations were compared among themselves and a single ranking list was obtained, integrated with the Borda count method, which is a data fusion technique. The application results showed that the methods used are consistent among themselves. It was revealed that the integrated model was an appropriate method that could be used for optimal location selection, providing reliable and satisfactory results to power system planners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, Improved Moth Flame Optimization (IMFO) algorithm is implemented to restore power flow solvability by transferring of adequate amount of load shedding (LS) through the power system. Shunt Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) devices including Static VAR Compensator (SVC) and Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) are incorporated with the system for obtaining better reactive power support. Maximum power system loadability is obtained using Continuation Power Flow (CPF). Both of normal operation and contingency conditions for generator and bus outages are considered for the fruition of the validity of the suggested method to operate under various conditions. The proposed approach is validated using IEEE-30 bus standard test system. The obtained results manifest the capability of the suggested method to reduce the LS values leading to continuous service to the customers and the capability of preventing voltage collapse and restore the bus voltages to the permissible limits. The emulation results reveal the effectiveness of the suggested method for enhancement of the power system loadability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a techno-economic planning strategy of reactive power (VAr) in power transmission systems. This planning strategy primarily has been focused on reactive power planning (RPP) through operating cost minimisation ensuring cost-oriented system security. The objective function (operating cost) is blended with four different components viz. cost due to real power loss, VAr generation cost, additional VAr compensation devices cost and line charging cost. FACTS (flexible AC transmission system) devices are installed at weak positions through different echelons to improve the system voltage stability. The authors also implemented the probabilistic hybridisation of crow search algorithm and JAYA to find out the optimal set of controlling parameters related to VAr. Finally, a sharp and minute analysis of the results has been done to validate the proposed strategy under multi-loading conditions. To understand the efficiency and efficacy the code profiling and simulation has been rendered on IEEE 30 bus and UPSEB 75 bus test system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased power system loading combined with the worldwide power industry deregulation requires more reliable and efficient control of the power flow and network stability. Flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) devices give new opportunities for controlling power and enhancing the usable capacity of the existing transmission lines. This paper presents a combined application of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the continuation power flow (CPF) technique to determine the optimal placement of static var compensator (SVC) in order to achieve the static voltage stability margin. The PSO objective function to be maximized is the loading factor to modify the load powers. In this scope, two SVC constraints are considered: the reference voltage in the first case and the total reactance and SVC reactive power in the second case. To test the performance of the proposed method, several simulations were performed on IEEE 30-Bus test systems. The results obtained show the effectiveness of the proposed method to find the optimal placement of the static var compensator and the improvement of the voltage stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel hybrid algorithm that includes the superior properties of strong algorithms which have been developed in recent past. The study involves minimization of transmission loss in IEEE networks through the efficient placement of flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) devices. In this work two types of devices namely thyristor controlled series compensator (TCSC) and static VAR compensator (SVC) are used in IEEE 14 bus and IEEE 30 bus systems. The main objective of active power loss reduction is achieved through the minimization of installation cost of these devices which is considered as the fitness function for the optimization algorithms. In this paper Moth flame optimization (MFO) in its natural form as well as in hybrid form called JAYA blended MFO (JMFO) is applied for the study. The results obtained are compared with existing technique like particle swarm optimization (PSO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient utilization of power networks under extreme voltage sags and swells and reducing the losses are widely recognized as the most important issues in energy industry. Power electronic converter based flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices play a significant role in power flow control, power quality improvement, voltage regulation and efficient energy utilization. Distribution static synchronous series compensator (D-STATCOM) is a FACTS device and it compensates for voltage sags and swells by injecting or absorbing reactive power to/from the power network. Modulation of D-STATCOMs is mostly based on pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques and space vector PWM (SV-PWM) is attracting considerable interest due to its better DC utilization and wide linear modulation range. In this paper, a threelevel SV-PWM is suggested for the modulation of D-STATCOM which is based on a three-phase diode-clamped inverter (DCI). A grid connected three-phase power system feeding a 1 MW and 500 kvar load is designed in simulation environment and D-STATCOM is tested under voltage sags and swells occurring on the generation side. Results demonstrate that D-STATCOM successfully injects/absorbs reactive power to/from the system under fluctuating grid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal reactive power dispatch is one of the key factors to attain cost-effective and stable functioning of power system. It is a complicated non-linear optimization issue with a combination of discrete and continuous control variables. Due to this complex feature of optimal reactive power dispatch, optimization technique has become an efficient method to solve this problem. In this work, Kinetic Gas Molecule Optimization algorithm with Pareto optimality is proposed for solving multi-objective optimal reactive power dispatch problem. The presentation of Kinetic Gas Molecule Optimization is improved by computing inertia weight and acceleration coefficients dynamically rather than a fixed value. Because of this reason, the searching capability of the particles in each iteration is improved. However, to improve the power system performance in optimal reactive power dispatch scenario, additional flexible AC transmission system devices like static VAR compensator, thyristor-controlled series compensator, and unified power flow controller are introduced to provide stable results when compared to conventional output because flexible AC transmission system devices are capable of controlling the flow of real power and reactive power. These details are implemented and tested on IEEE 30-bus test system with various objectives. The performance of proposed method is validated from MATLAB, which shows the value of power loss as 4.3583 and voltage deviation as 0.26499 with cost of US$469.6417 per MVAR, which shows considerably superior results when compared with implemented particle swarm optimization results. The proposed method provides an efficient result for solving multi-objective optimal reactive power dispatch issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on cascaded ac–ac converter with controllable phase and amplitude (ACCPA), a novel π model ACCPA was proposed for power flow control, whose output voltage phase and amplitude can be regulated, respectively, and simultaneously with respect to the input voltage. Single-phase π model ACCPA comprises a buck-type ac unit, a third harmonic trap and a boost-type ac converter. Compared with single-phase cascaded ACCPA, it has a more simplified structure by dispensing with the LC output filter of the buck-type ac converter, and can adopt the same two-stage duty-cycle modulation. The buck-type ac unit regulates the phase of output voltage and the boost-type ac converter does the amplitude. By utilizing impedance compensation with capacitance in single-phase π model ACCPA, it is effective to counteract or reduce the lag effect which is put on fundamental voltage by line impedance of third harmonic trap and inductance. Three-phase π model ACCPA comprises three buck-type ac units and a three-phase boost-type ac converter, it not only dispenses with three LC output filters, but also does three third harmonic traps, so it has simple structure. Experimental results verified the feasibility of π model ACCPA and the correctness of its theory. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study presents an adaptive differential evolution (DE) algorithm to allocate the thyristor‐controlled series compensator (TCSC) incorporated with the reactive power management problem. In addition, a dynamic updating is applied for scaling and penalty factors to enhance the performance of the multi‐objective DE algorithm. During the selection of the best candidate lines for efficient allocation of TCSC devices, three situations are considered for excluded transmission lines. These situations are the lines connected between two generating units; lines connected through transformers and the lines of low losses. The considered multi‐objective function compromises between reducing power losses, improving voltage profile, reducing reactive power losses, reducing TCSC cost and reducing number of flexible alternating current transmission systems units. The optimal siting and sizing of TCSC is defined for normal and emergency operating conditions. The proposed procedure is employed for IEEE 9‐bus and IEEE 30‐bus test systems in addition to western delta network as a real part of the Egyptian network. Four case studies are considered for each test system to represent normal and abnormal operating conditions. Results clearly indicate the effectiveness of the adaptive DE algorithm to allocate perfectly the TCSC to enhance the system performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents gravitational search algorithm (GSA)-based optimisation technique for the optimum coordination of multi-type flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices with the existing reactive power sources present in a connected power network. Three types of FACTS devices: namely, unified power flow controller, static var compensator and thyristor controlled series capacitor are used in the present problem and IEEE-30 and IEEE-57 bus systems are taken as standard test systems. The existing reactive power sources are reactive generations of the generators and transformer tap setting arrangements. The main objective of the present study is to reduce active power loss, system operating cost including the cost of FACTS devices and congestion in transmission network. The result obtained with the proposed GSA-based approach is compared with the results obtained by genetic algorithm, differential evolution and particle swarm optimisation techniques. It is observed that by optimal placement of FACTS devices along with the optimal setting of the transformer tap arrangements and control of reactive generations of the generators line loss, system operating cost and transmission congestion is reduced significantly by the GSA-based method compared with other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Categorization of FACTS devices as HSRF, MSRF, and LSRC devices by response speed. • Mathematical modelling for the coordination of MCR with SVC and FC. • Control strategy to enhance the compensation capacity of high response speed SVC. • Control strategy to enhance the low compensation speed of MCR and FC. • The proposed strategy is suitable for full range of compensation for power system. Traditional devices in flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) like magnetically controllable reactor (MCR), and fixed capacitors (FC) are less expensive and have medium or low response speed that can only provide excessive inductive or capacitive reactive power compensation. However, modern FACTS devices like static var compensators (SVC) are expensive and have high response speed which can provide limited inductive to capacitive reactive power compensation as compared to the MCR and FC. In addition, if there is no proper coordination between these traditional and modern FACTS devices they absorb each other's reactive power and may results in the decrease of compensation margin and wastage of the resources. Therefore, to make an effective use of these categories of FACTS devices in the existing power system, the coordination control that shares high speed and excessive compensation ability without wastage of resources is essential. This paper presents coordinated control of multi-FACTS devices to provide efficient reactive power compensation based voltage regulation. At first, the characteristics of various categorical FACTS devices are presented in relation to response speed by incorporating high speed response FACTS (HSRF), medium speed response FACTS (MSRF) and low speed response compensator (LSRC). Finally, the MCR with SVC and MCR with FC coordination controls have been developed sequentially with minimal efforts of compatibility issues and compensation speed while ensuring an increase in the reactive power reserves for the SVC. The simulation is carried out on PSCAD/EMTDC to test the coordination control efficiency of several three phase multi-FACTS devices with series and parallel configurations and validated on a modified IEEE 30 bus power system. The results show that multi-FACTS coordination control increases the SVC reserves and is promising in providing voltage regulation for the power system under various scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]