Optimal VAr planning in area power system

This paper combines the theory of decomposition and coordination with improved tabu search (TS) technique and applies them to reactive power planning in area power systems. Based on the theory of decomposition and coordination, the complex problem is decomposed into several sub-problems under different load conditions. Each sub-problem is solved by the tabu search which is a heuristic optimal technique characterized by avoiding local optimal solutions in high probability. Sensitivity analysis and expert knowledge are used to aid the initial solution generation and improve the search process. Compared with the conventional single load condition and stochastic search method, the proposed algorithms make the complex optimization feasible and can find optimal solutions effectively. Such advantages are demonstrated through the Jinan area power system with 137 buses and 162 transmission lines in Shandong province of China.