Optimum VAR sizing and allocation using particle swarm optimization

This paper proposes a solution technique for finding the optimum location and sizing of the shunt compensation devices in transmission systems. The objective of the formulation is to improve the voltage stability of the system while maintaining acceptable voltage profile. The problem can be formulated as an integer nonlinear optimization problem. The newly developed evolutionary technique particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to solve this problem. Case studies with the Ward–Hale 6-bus, IEEE 14-bus and 30-bus systems are presented to illustrate the applicability of the algorithm. A comparison with the genetic algorithm (GA) is performed to show the quality of the solutions obtained by PSO.