Application of PSO technique for optimal location of FACTS devices considering system loadability and cost of installation

This paper presents the application of particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to find optimal location of flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices to achieve maximum system loadability with minimum cost of installation of FACTS devices. While finding the optimal location, thermal limit for the lines and voltage limit for the buses are taken as constraints. Three types of FACTS devices, thyristor controlled series compensator (TCSC), static VAr compensator (SVC), and unified power flow controller (UPFC) are considered. The optimizations are performed on four parameters namely the location of FACTS devices, their setting, their type, and installation cost of FACTS devices. Two cases namely, single type devices (same type of FACTS devices) and multi type devices (combination of TCSC, SVC, and UPFC) are considered. Simulations are performed on IEEE 6 and 30 bus systems for optimal location of FACTS devices and the results obtained are encouraging and will be useful in electrical restructuring