Modified DE Based ATC Enhancement Using FACTS Devices

Under the paradigm of open market the basic challenge in the secured and stable operation of power system is to provide a transmission network capable of delivering contracted power from suppliers to consumers over large geographic area under market forces, and continuously varying patterns of demand and supply. Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) are being popularly used by utilities due to their capability to enhance power system static as well as dynamic performance. From economical point of view the use of expensive devices should be optimized. This calls for the optimal use of the FACTS devices, such as their optimal location and sizing in the line. In this paper, a Thyristor Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC) is incorporated as a FACTS controller in an IEEE-30 bus test system to maximize the Available Transfer Capability (ATC) and minimize the TCSC capital cost and voltage deviations of the load buses occurring in the system. In this work ATC is maximized together with optimal siting and sizing of TCSC and load bus voltage deviations using modified Differential Evolution considering line thermal limits and voltage stability limits.