Multi-type FACTS Location and Coordination using PI-PSO for Transfer Capability Improvement

Deregulation ensures competition amongst utilities through open access regulation to accommodate a significant increase in the volume of power transactions. However, this action may cause line overloads and congestion. To relief congestion, improved utilization and performance of transmission infrastructure, different types of FACTS devices are planned with diverse objectives. Often the huge investment cost of FACTS leads to the implementation of a single type of FACTS’ planning by utilities at a given time horizon. To optimize performance, subsequent planning must take into account and coordinate with the existing FACTS regarding location and parameter settings. This article proposed a real power flow Performance Index (PI) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to locate and coordinate Static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) with an existing Thyristor control series compensator (TCSC) in a standard 9-buses test network. Results of three coordination schemes show that the scheme with more decision parameters provides superior loadability and transfer capability improvement.