Optimal location of phase shifters in the French network by genetic algorithm

Series FACTS such as series capacitors or phase shifters, by controlling the power flows in a network, can help reduce the flows in heavily loaded lines, resulting in an increased loadability of the network and a reduced cost of production. The influence of multiple phase shifters on the network flows is complex, because they interact on one another, and the problem of the optimal location is essential. This paper proposes an index for measuring the benefit of a given set of phase shifters. The best location for a set of phase shifters is found by a genetic algorithm for a 36 line test case and for the French network.