Harmonic optimization for the multi-stage saturable magnetically controlled reactor using particle swarm optimization algorithm

Magnetically controlled reactors (MCRs) as shunt reactors have offered flexible ways regulating the reactive power in the power system. MCRs can be implemented in ultra high voltage power systems and are much more economical and operational than the thyristor controlled reactors (TCRs). However, one remarkable defect of the MCRs is that they will inject great harmonics into the power system. In this paper, the structure and the mathematical model of a harmonic free multi-stage saturable MCR (MSMCR) are proposed. This paper illustrated the use of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to decide the areas of the stages based on the harmonics mathematical model of the MSMCR. Since the 3rd harmonic will not be injected to the power systems if delta connected symmetrically, the current harmonics injected to the power system can be limited to as low as 0.8% of the rated output current of the MSMCR, theoretically. A simulation is finally produced to verify the research in PSCAD/EMTDC.