Optimal placement of STATCOM with ABC algorithm to improve voltage stability in power systems

In modern power systems, due to uncertainty of the load curves and irregular power transfers between various utilities and loads creates block out situations. In these situations the Flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) controllers play an important role in power system security enhancement. However, these controllers must be placed optimally due to their high capital investment. FACTS devices can regulate the active and reactive power control as well as adaptive to voltage-magnitude control simultaneously because of their flexibility and fast control characteristics. Placement of these devices at optimal location can lead to control in line flow and maintain bus voltages at required level and so improve the voltage profile, to improve load transfer capability, decreasing the losses in the system and operate the system within stable regions. This paper proposes a systematic method for finding optimal location of STATCOM to improve voltage profile of a power system with Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) Algorithm. An Optimal Power Flow with and without STATCOM using ABC algorithm is considered for simulation and compared with existing literature. Effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated on IEEE 30-bus test system.