Optimized Reactive Power Compensation Using Fuzzy Logic Controller

Reactive power flow in a long transmission line plays a vital role in power transfer capability and voltage stability in power system. Traditionally, shunt connected compensators are used to control reactive power in long transmission line. Thyristor controlled reactor is used to control reactive power under lightly loaded condition. By controlling firing angle of thyristor, it is possible to control reactive power in the transmission lines. However, thyristor controlled reactor will inject harmonic current into the system. An attempt to reduce reactive power injection will increase harmonic distortion in the line current and vice versa. Thus, there is a trade-off between reactive power injection and harmonics in current. By optimally controlling the reactive power injection, harmonics in current can be brought within the specified limit. In this paper, a Fuzzy Logic Controller is implemented to obtain optimal control of reactive power of the compensator to maintain voltage and harmonic in current within the limits. An algorithm which optimizes the firing angle in each fuzzy subset by calculating the rank of feasible firing angles is proposed for the construction of rules in Fuzzy Logic Controller. The novelty of the algorithm is that it uses a simple error formula for the calculation of the rank of the feasible firing angles in each fuzzy subset. © 2014, The Institution of Engineers (India).