Moth-flame optimization based algorithm for FACTS devices allocation in a power system

Optimal power flow (OPF) is an objective to ensure economically viable and secure working of power system. In this paper, Moth-flame Optimization (MFO) based algorithm is intended to attain OPF, by including Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) devices with the existing infrastructure of power system, for loss reduction, maintaining the voltage level of the system within the desired level and to ensure cost-effective power system operation. The control variable for the problem consists of generator's reactive output, settings of tap changing transformers, and parameters of FACTS devices. The simulations are performed to obtain the optimal parameters of three FACTS devices namely, Thyristor Controlled Phase Angle Regulator (TCPAR), Thyristor Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC) and Static Var Compensator (SVC). All the FACTS devices are placed at pre-defined positions in standard IEEE 57-bus system. The outcomes presented in the paper clearly demonstrate the reliability and robustness of the given method over current state of the art algorithms surfaced recently in the literature in this field.