A reactive power planning model for power transmission systems using meta-heuristics algorithms

Abstract

The load patterns in electricity markets are changing rapidly worldwide. The power engineers are becoming more vigilant in providing an uninterrupted power supply at different loading conditions. This study proposes a unique planning strategy of reactive power (VAr) considering a static load model in the power transmission system. The active/ reactive power-oriented exponential load model for static load is considered during the study of load flow solution. The load flow solution’s power losses are measured and minimized by properly placing compensation devices. A flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) technology has been applied in this proposed planning strategy to compensate for reactive power. The separate and collective effect of active and reactive power modeling on load flow is also observed during the calculation of the total operating cost (TOC) of the system. The TOC is formulated empirically by adding different cost components such as cost owing to real power loss, VAr generation cost component, and compensation device cost component. A real-world power transmission system is considered in the study to validate the impetus of the proposed planning strategy.