Allocation of TCSC devices to optimize total transmission capacity in a competitive power market

FACTS devices such as thyristor controlled series compensator can help increase power transfer capacity in heavily loaded networks because of its capability to control power flow flexibly. In a multimachine network, the influence of TCSCs on the network flows is complex since the control of any one device influences all others. In a competitive (deregulated) power market, the location of these devices and their control can significantly affect the operation of the system. Optimal allocation and control of these devices will be very important for ISO or other power market regulators. This paper investigates the use of TCSC to maximize total transfer capability generally defined as the maximum power transfer transaction between a specific power-seller and a power-buyer in a network. A genetic algorithm is used as the optimization tool to determine the location as well as the parameters of TCSC simultaneously. Simulation studies on a multi-machine network are presented to illustrate the methodology and to demonstrate the benefits of the proposed method