A sensitivity-based approach for optimal location of multi-converter unified power flow controller considering its impact on generation and wheeling costs

Abstract

The optimal location of Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) controllers is important due to their high cost. When a FACTS controller uses some converters, its cost becomes very high. A multi-converter unified power flow controller, also known as Generalised Unified Power Flow Controller (GUPFC) can effectively control the power system parameters such as bus voltage and real and reactive power flows in the lines. In this paper, a method utilising the static sensitivity-based approach has been suggested for location of GUPFC. The impact of GUPFC on the generation and wheeling costs has been studied. The power injection model of GUPFC has been considered, and the optimal settings of its control parameters and generator setting have been obtained through an Optimal Power Flow (OPF) formulation. The final choice of location of the GUPFC has been decided by considering the savings in cost of production and the savings obtained in the real power wheeling charges. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been tested on the IEEE 30-bus test system.