Performing comprehensive voltage stability studies for the determination of optimal location, size and type of reactive compensation

This paper presents a summary of a methodology and the tools employed in performing comprehensive voltage stability studies to identify reactive compensation requirements for a transmission system. The approach focuses on both steady-state and time-domain dynamic simulation techniques. The two key aspects of the study approach are the use of optimal power flow techniques for determining the best location for reactive compensation, and using extensive load sensitivity analysis in time domain to determine a prudent mix of dynamic vars (e.g. SVCs) versus discrete switched devices (e.g. mechanically switched capacitor banks)