Optimal Placement of Facts Controllers in Power Systems via Evolution Strategies

In this paper, an algorithm for optimally locating FACTS controllers in a power system is presented. The proposed methodology is based on the evolutionary algorithm known as evolution strategies (ES). The optimal configuration will be the one that maximizes the system loadability while keeping the power system operating within appropriate security limits. Three important aspects to be considered throughout the optimization are the types of FACTS controllers used, their location, and their corresponding settings. Simulations are carried out on a modified IEEE 30-bus test system for different numbers and types of FACTS controllers. The results obtained demonstrate that the best option to increase the loadability of the system is by using different types of FACTS controllers simultaneously. In addition, it is observed that there exists a maximum number of FACTS controllers beyond which it is impossible to improve the loadability of the system