Optimal Allocation of Unified Power Flow Controller for Power Loss minimization and Voltage Profile Improvement using Harmony Search Algorithm

Abstract

This paper presents a population based metaheuristic algorithm, namely Harmony Search (HS) is proposed for solving optimal power flow (OPF) problem solution. Harmony Search (HS) is a stochastic algorithm which imitates the music improvisation process. In this process, the musicians improvise their instrument pitches searching for the perfect state of harmony. The HS algorithm does not require initial values and uses a random search instead of a gradient search, so derivative information is unnecessary. The Harmony Search (HS) algorithm is coded in MATLAB and the performance is tested on IEEE 14 bus test system with real power losses minimization and voltage deviation minimization as objective function. Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) is a multilateral device in the Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) family. It has capable of controlling the power system parameters like voltage magnitude, line reactance and phase angle either individually or collectively. In this paper UPFC is incorporated in Harmony Search algorithm (HS) based Optimal Power Flow (OPF). UPFC is used to reduce transmission line losses and improve the voltage stability of the system. Harmony Search algorithm gives better results as compared to genetic algorithm in both without and with UPFC.