A new approach for optimal VAr sources planning in large scale electric power systems

A new approach is presented for contingency-constrained optimal volt ampere reactive (VAr) source planning in large-scale power systems. Features distinguishing the proposed approach from many of the existing methods include that it allows a more realistic problem formulation, and that it can find the (global) optimal solution. The new problem formulation takes into consideration practical aspects of VAr sources and the load constraints and operational constraints at different load levels. This methodology based on simulated annealing determines the location to install VAr sources; the types and sizes of VAr sources to be installed; and the settings of VAr sources at different loading conditions. To speed up the solution algorithm, the authors make a slight modification of the fast decoupled load flow and incorporate it into the solution algorithm. This method is suitable for large-scale power systems and has been tested on several power systems with promising results. Simulation results on the IEEE 30-bus system and the Tai-power 358-bus system are presented