Series and shunt FACTS controllers based optimal reactive power dispatch

Optimal reactive power dispatch involves the determination and management of reactive power resources in a power system to maintain voltage stability, improve power transfer capability, and minimize system losses. Reactive power is essential for maintaining voltage levels within acceptable limits and ensuring the reliable operation of electrical networks. The whale optimization algorithm (WOA) has been proposed to obtain the optimal location of flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) components. The efficacy of WOA is tested using conventional IEEE 14 and 30 bus test systems. Static var compensator (SVC) is used as shunt and the thyristor-controlled series capacitor (TCSC) as a series FACTS controller. The analysis is carried out for both the systems with and without FACTS controllers. Optimization techniques are applied to select the optimal control parameters. The suggested strategy is compared to other contemporary techniques such as particle swarm optimization (PSO) and grey wolf optimization (GWO). At various loading situations, the WOA-based technique outperforms other two techniques.