Search

This paper presents a novel approach for reactive power planning of a connected power network. Reactive power planning is nothing but the optimal usage of all reactive power sources i.e., transformer tap setting arrangements, reactive generations of generators and shunt VAR compensators installed at weak nodes. Shunt VAR compensator placement positions are determined by a FVSI (Fast Voltage Stability Index) method. Optimal setting of all reactive power reserves are determined by a GA (genetic algorithm) based optimization method. The effectiveness of the detection of the weak nodes by the FVSI method is validated by comparing the result with two other wellknown methods of weak node detection like Modal analysis and the L-index method. Finally, FVSI based allocation of VAR sources emerges as the most suitable method for reactive power planning.

This research article proposes a planning strategy of reactive power (VAR) in a power transmission system, because reactive power planning (RPP) is a topical issue in the energy sector. Basically, it is a qualitative effort to understand the mathematical principles, technical facets, and economic aspects with their utility in RPP prior to executing the proposed strategy through a unique solution model. Initially, the objective is formulated by measuring different cost components, such as VAR generation cost, line charging cost, flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) device operation cost, and cost due to real power loss. The vulnerable positions in the system are defined for the placement of FACTS devices after computing a set of mathematical methods. The installation bottlenecks of these devices are wiped out depending on some technical considerations and performances. Thereafter, a hybrid intelligence approach along with fundamental algorithms is applied to determine an optimal set of controlling variables in conjunction with active and VAR demand. The code profiling of the proposed approach is rendered on two interregional practical power networks. Finally, the responses of the benchmark functions and statistical outcomes are analyzed extensively to justify the trustworthiness of the proposed solution model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work proposes a planning strategy pertaining to the techno-economic operation of Indian power systems. The proposed strategy focused on the reactive power (VAr) planning (RPP) subject to the system operating cost minimization ensuring system security. To mitigate the RPP issue, unique meta-heuristic hybridized techniques are adopted to size the optimal parameter settings such as alternator's reactive power, tap settings of transformers etc. instigated by power flow analysis satisfying all equality and inequality constraints. The controlling variables are optimally determined to solve this non-linear RPP problem. The bottleneck for the installation of static VAr compensators at weak buses is also wiped out by different analytical techniques viz. loss sensitivity, power flow and modal analysis. Two different inter-regional transmission networks prevailing in India are considered to measure the adaptability, efficacy and efficiency of the proposed approach. The results obtained by applying the proposed approach have confirmed that network loss-minimization procedures produce an acceptable solution and reduce the operating cost which is especially important in RPP. The responses of bench mark functions and statistical analysis of the outcomes from both systems allow us to assess the overall efficiency and efficacy of the proposed techno-economic planning approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a competitive electricity power market, reactive power planning (RPP) is a pivotal matter for the power system researchers from operational and economical view points. RPP is concerned with the installation or removal of reactive power equipment in power system. This article proposes an effective way to find out the optimal parameter settings related to the system active power loss as well as operational cost. Genetic Algorithm (GA)-based strategy is applied to determine the optimal values of reactive power generation of generators, size of shunt capacitors, transformer tap settings prior to minimizing the system operating cost due to active power loss, installation cost of shunt capacitors at the weak nodes, and the cost of line-charging elements. The proposed approach is applied to IEEE 30 and IEEE 57 bus test system. Finally, a comparative analysis has been done to validate the efficacy of GA-based approach with some well-established meta-heuristic algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This article proposes a new meta‐heuristic optimization algorithm named grey wolf optimization algorithm based on leadership and hunting behavior of grey wolf for the reactive power planning of a connected power network. The performance of the proposed opposition‐based grey wolf optimization (OGWO) and grey wolf optimization (GWO) is examined and tested successfully in standard IEEE 14, IEEE 30, and IEEE 57 bus test systems for the minimization of active power loss and the total operating cost while maintaining voltage profile of the buses within permissible limit. Active power loss and total operating cost are minimized by optimal planning of the reactive generation of generators, transformer tap setting arrangements, and reactive output of shunt capacitors as installed at weak nodes under different loading conditions. The weak nodes are detected by power flow analysis. The results obtained by GWO algorithm is compared to other popular techniques recently reported in recent state‐of‐the‐art literature. It is observed that proposed OGWO and GWO algorithm yields much better result in terms of reducing operating cost and minimizing active power loss. Merit lies with GWO is that its simple structure for implementation and its ability not to be trapped in local minima, thus exploring wider search area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, reactive power planning problem along with voltage stability margin is addressed by effective co-ordination of reactive power sources. Modal analysis and L-index methods are used to detect weak nodes of the system accordingly. Differential Evolution (DE) and Genetic Algorithm (GA)-based optimization techniques are applied for the proper co-ordination of Var sources under base and increased loading conditions maintaining voltage stability of the connected power network. The problem is multi-objective and IEEE 30 bus system is taken as the standard system. It is observed that modal analysis based detection of weak nodes are more effective than the L-index-based detection. Moreover, the DE-based optimization algorithm gives better result compared to GA-based approach in maximizing reactive power reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the proposed work, authors have applied swarm intelligence based algorithms for the effective Co-ordination of Flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices with other existing Var sources present in the network. IEEE 30 and IEEE 57 bus systems are taken as standard test systems. SPSO (Simple Particle Swarm Optimization) and other two swarm based intelligence approaches like APSO (Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization) and EPSO (Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization) are used for the optimal setting of the Var sources and FACTS devices. The result obtained with the proposed approach is compared with the result found by the conventional RPP (Reactive power planning) approach where shunt capacitors, transformer tap setting arrangements and reactive generations of generators are used as planning variables. It is observed that reactive power planning with FACTS devices yields much better result in terms of reducing active power loss and total operating cost of the system even considering the investment costs of FACTS devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive power source planning problem has significant role for secure and economic operation of power system. Reactive power planning problem is nothing but the proper coordination of existing Var sources which lead to loss minimization and cost economic operation of the system. In the proposed approach several bio-inspired algorithms like Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO), Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO), Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization (HPSO) and Bacterial Foraging Algorithm (BFA) are used for the reactive power planning problem. Finally a comparison of all these techniques are made on the basis of the results obtained when applied to different standard test system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) is used as optimization method in reactive power planning using FACTS (Flexible AC transmission system) devices. The planning problem is formulated as a single objective optimization problem where the real power loss and bus voltage deviations are minimized under different loading conditions. GSA based optimization algorithm and particle swarm optimization techniques (PSO) are applied on IEEE 30 bus system. Results show that GSA can also be a very effective tool for reactive power planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]