Influence of loading conditions in solving power system problems

It has always been believed that power-flow analysis should precede any power system problem solution. Consequently, loading conditions are presumed to be the most critical for solving power system problems. This notion is investigated further in this paper by revisiting the problem of Static Var Compensators' (SVCs) placement in a power system network for reactive power augmentation from three perspectives: use of inherent structural characteristic theory (ISCT), load-flow perspective and optimization approach. While the ISTC arrives at solution independent of the loading conditions, both load-flow and optimization methods account for variation in the loading condition of the network. From the results of these three perspectives, conclusion could be arrived at as to the actual significance of loading conditions in solving power system problems, but it is definitely not the critical determining factor in allocating reactive power compensators (SVCs) problems. The study used a modified IEEE 30-bus system.