Optimal Allocation of Series Capacitor

Abstract

In recent years, energy, environment, right-of-way and cost problems have delayed the construction of both generation facilities and new transmission lines. These problems have necessitated a change in the traditional concepts and practices of power systems. Better utilization of existing power system capacities by installing compensating devices has become imperative. Series capacitors can be utilized to change the reactive power flow through the line. Thus the power transfer capabilities will be increased and the transmission investment cost will be reduced. This compensation scheme is one facet of FACTS that has been widely accepted as a solution for the limitations created by overstretched generation and transmission systems. The objective of this study is to find the optimal location of compensation devices. This will lead to the better utilization of the existing infrastructure like transmission lines. Parameters like sensitivity analysis, line flow index etc. are calculated and analyzed to find the best location for the compensation device. Some computational tools are needed in assisting the analysis of the effects on the system performance due to the control settings and the new devices. The existing system analysis tool is Optimal Power Flow (OPF). Thus, it is necessary to extend the existing traditional OPF to include the representation of variable series capacitors. Since the main concern in this study is to compensate reactive power flows and then optimize the system using Linear Programming. In this thesis work IEEE 30 bus test system is considered.