Optimal placement and parameter setting of TCSC in power transmission system to increase the power transfer capability

Optimal placement of FACTS devices in a power transmission network is of great importance for the effective utilization of transmission network. Thyristor Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC) - a series FACTs device can be used to reduce the power flows in heavily loaded transmission lines resulting in an increased loadability, low system loss, power congestion management and stability improvement. In this work three methods have been suggested to find the optimal location and optimum size of TCSC to increase the power transfer capability of a transmission system. A variable reactance model of TCSC under steady state condition is used. Proposed approach is tested for locating TCSC in an IEEE 6 bus system. A comparison of three methods, namely the total Real Power Loss minimization based sensitivity index method, Real Power Flows minimization based sensitivity index method and the total Reactive Power Loss minimization based Sensitivity Index method has been presented with appropriate discussion.