Transient stability improvement by optimally located STATCOMs employing genetic algorithm

Abstract

This paper deals with determining the optimal location of single and multiple Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) for a long transmission line with predefined direction of real power flow so that maximum improvement in its transient stability performance is achieved. A systematic procedure is proposed to determine the optimal location of a STATCOM employing Genetic Algorithm (GA). The location of STATCOM to minimise the rotor angle difference following a disturbance is formulated as an optimisation problem and the optimal location is searched by means of GA. A two-area test system is used to determine the optimal location of single and multiple STATCOMs to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The simulation results are presented to show that optimally located STATCOMs extend the critical clearing time and enhance the power system transient stability.