Optimal location of FACTS devices by a Bacterial Swarming Algorithm for reactive power planning

This paper proposes a reactive power planning model, which incorporates flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices. The optimal location of multi-type FACTS devices and their control parameters are optimized by a novel bacterial swarming algorithm (BSA) to minimize the real power losses and also to improve voltage profile. The simulation studies have been undertaken on both IEEE 30-bus and 118-bus test systems. Simulation results show that the performance of the power system is improved with multi-type FACTS placed optimally in the reactive power planning model. The advantage of using BSA to determine the location of FACTS devices is demonstrated, in comparison with two other evolutionary algorithms (EAs), i.e., genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimizer (PSO).