Optimisation techniques for location of flexible AC transmission system devices in power systems

Abstract

Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices are the key to produce electrical energy economically and environmental friendly in a deregulated market. Implemented through a new equipment consisting high power electronics based technologies, it opens up new opportunities for controlling line power flows, minimizing losses and maintaining bus voltages at desired level in a power system network. In large, interconnected power systems, power system damping is often reduced, leading to lightly damped electromechanical modes of oscillations. Proper controller design and installation of this system becomes essential for control and operation improvement of power systems networks. Three categories of FACTS controllers may be distinguished: Series controllers; Shunt controllers; Combined series-shunt controllers. The location of these devices depends on the amount of local load and through load and from transient stability point of view their location moves towards the sending-end. The optimal location for the device is not in the mid-point of the line but rather, slightly off-center of the transmission line gives better performance for maximum benefit and depends on the line resistance and is linearly increased as R/X ratio of the line is increased. The paper attempted to highlight best location and control strategy for this device that, guarantee security and stability of the power system networks for maximum benefits. © 2013 Kavala Institute of Technology.