A Novel Genetic Algorithm for the Coordinated Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch in Power Systems with Wind Farms and FACTS

Optimal reactive power dispatch of large-scale power systems with great amount of wind farms is one of the main issues in power systems operation. This paper focuses on the incorporation of reactive power capacity from Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) and from variable speed wind turbines in a coordinated reactive power dispatch. The reactive power capability of Double Fed Inductor Generator (DFIG) considers the capacity of the machine as well as the one of the grid side converter. The Optimization strategy is thus based on genetic algorithms (GA) and includes in its formulation the reactive power capability of DFIG and the reactive power injection of Static Var Compensators (SVC). The suitability of the proposed methodology is tested on a real 140-bus power system in order to determinate an optimal reschedule of the reactive power injection from different VAR sources minimizing, at the same time, the real power losses of the whole power system. Copyright (C) 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved.