Congestion management by optimising FACTS device location

Abstract

FACTS devices such as thyristor controlled series compensators and thyristor controlled phase angle regulators, by controlling the power flows in the network, can help to reduce the flows in heavily loaded lines resulting in an increased loadability of the network and reduced cost of production. Congestion management using FACTS devices requires a two step approach. First, the optimal location of these devices in the network must be ascertained and then, the settings of their control parameters optimised. This paper presents the development of simple and efficient models for optimal location of FACTS devices that can be used for congestion management by controlling their parameters optimally. Three different objectives have been considered and the results are compared. The effectiveness of the purposed methods is demonstrated on a 5-bus system and a 75-bus Indian system.