A Computationally Efficient Evolutionary Algorithm for Stochastic D-FACTS Optimization

Flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) are important contributors to smart transmission systems. They can offer a level of power flow control and improve transfer capability of an existing network which can be used to mitigate congestion and integrate renewable energies into a grid. Distributed FACTS is a lightweight version of FACTS which can be redeployed conveniently. It has become a more attractive power flow control technology due to its lower cost and ease of installation. This paper proposes a novel evolutionary algorithm to solve a stochastic model for D-FACTS allocation, studying their impacts on operating costs and the computational efficiency of the model. The results are presented are compared against a previously developed linear programming model and show a positive economic impact from the use of D-FACTS, as well as a significant reduction in computational time for this type of model.