Improvement of Voltage Profile in Libyan Transmission Network Using Particle Swarm Optimization Technique

In large-scale power system grids, one of the most common problems is the reduced potential of the power transmission network related to voltage drop issues due to the distance between generation and loads. This paper presents an approach to analyse and overcome the voltage-profile challenges. The investigated case study of this research is the eastern region of the Libyan power system that mainly incorporates two transmission lines (dual circuits) at 220 kV level in addition to a 400 kV transmission line connecting the eastern region with the other parts of the system. In the "Green Mountain" area, the lines are more than 200 km long with no nearby power stations in this area. The Eastern Libyan power network was studied using MATLAB software. The analysis has shown that the voltages in this area are at unacceptable values (below 0.95 p.u.), as a result, the energy transported through the transmission lines are affected, which causes load shedding at peak times, especially in the winter season. In this paper, optimal placement, and sizing of static VAR Compensator in different locations are carried out with the utilization of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique. MATLAB simulation results showed a significant improvement in voltage profile with minimized cost and real power losses that were used as constraints in the optimization.