Particle Swarm Optimization for Optimal Allocation of STATCOM on Transmission Network

Abstract

Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) is one of the members of flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) devices that controls one or more network parameters to increase system power transfer capability. However, it needs be optimally allocated to fully maximize its usage. Allocation of STATCOM simply refers to optimal placement and size of a STATCOM to solve some of the transmission network problems. This paper therefore utilizes particle swarm optimization (PSO) to allocate STATCOM to enhance the system voltage magnitudes and minimize the active power loss. A Matlab programme was developed for the proposed method and applied to IEEE 14 bus network and the results presented. The results showed that the total active power loss was reduced by 6.90%. The voltage magnitudes at buses 7 and 13, which were above the upper voltage limit, were reduced and brought to within acceptable voltage limits and hence improvement in the system voltage profile. Therefore, the optimal allocation of STATCOM improves the efficiency and operation of the network.