Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithm Performance Comparison for Optimal Allocation of Static Synchronous Compensator

Abstract

The relevance of static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) controllers in controlling power network parameters is causing them to be included in contemporary networks. But for the intended objectives to be attained, the best device positioning and parameter settings are essential. This work compares the performance of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and firefly algorithm (FA) in sizing and placing a STATCOM device for the dual objectives of loss reduction and voltage deviation abasement. The effective mitigation of network loss and voltage fluctuations in the network will be achieved by the deployment of the efficient method during device allocation. While PSO and FA were taken into consideration due to their computational efficiency among other metaheuristic algorithms, STATCOM was chosen from among the Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) controllers as a consequence of its reactive power compensation capability. The MATLAB software was used to implement the simulations on an IEEE 14-bus system. When STATCOM was optimized with PSO and FA, it resulted in active power loss reductions of 432 and 733 kW, respectively, and reactive power loss reductions of 1622 and 2100 kVAr, respectively. As a result, the reductions in voltage variation and power losses in this instance show some benefits of FA over PSO. Additionally, this work has shown that metaheuristic algorithms are beneficial for allocating FACTS devices.