Multiple STATCOM Allocation and Sizing Using Particle Swarm Optimization

This study shows step by step the application of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method to solve the problem of optimal allocation and sizing of multiple static compensators (STATCOM) in a medium size power network (45 bus system, part of the Brazilian power network). The PSO is proposed as an alternative methodology for traditional heuristic approaches and complicated mixed integer linear and non linear programming methods. Simulation results show the suitability of the PSO technique in finding multiple optimal solutions to the problem (Pareto front) with reasonable computational effort. As a part of this study, the optimal setting of PSO parameters is investigated and different power system load conditions are tested to determine the impact over the location and size of each STATCOM unit