Transmission Loss Minimization Using Evolutionary Programming Considering UPFC Installation Cost.

A critical factor effecting power transmission systems today is the power flow control technique. The increment of load variation in a power transmission system can lead to potential failure on the entire system as the system has to work under a stressed condition and various contingencies. Thus, the Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) are integrated in power system to control the power flow in specific lines and improve the security of transmission line. This paper presents Evolutionary Programming (EP) technique for solving reactive power problem incorporating Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC). The objective of the study is to employ EP optimization technique for loss minimization along with the installation cost calculation and voltage profile monitoring when a power transmission system is subjected to (N-1) contingency. The location of the UPFC installation is determined based on a pre-developed voltage stability index. The UPFC devices are installed in the system in order to enhance the system security; performed on the IEEE 30-bus RTS for several loading conditions. The simulations results are compared with those obtained from the Artificial Immune System (AIS) technique in the attempt to highlight its merit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]