FACTS devices location for enhancement of total transfer capability

In deregulated power systems, total transfer capability (TTC) analysis is presently a critical issue either in the operating or planning because of increased area interchanges among utilities. FACTS devices can be an alternative to reduce the flows in heavily loaded lines, resulting in an increased transfer capability, low system loss, improved stability of the network, reduced cost of production and fulfilled contractual requirement by controlling the power flows in the network. It is important to ascertain the location for placement of these devices because of their considerable costs. A method to determine the suitable locations of thyristor controlled series compensators (TCSC) and thyristor controlled phase angle regulators (TCPAR) based on the real power flow performance index sensitivity has been suggested, in the paper, for enhancing the total transfer capability of the interconnected power system. A conceptually reasonable and computationally feasible approach has been developed and is illustrated by an example.