Improved particle swarm optimization applied to reactive power reserve maximization

This paper presents a new approach for scheduling of reactive power control variables for voltage stability enhancement using particle swarm optimization (PSO). Cost function selected is maximization of reactive reserves of the system. To get desired stability margin a Schur's inequality based proximity indicator has been selected whose threshold value along with reactive power reserve maximization assures desired static voltage stability margin. PSO has been selected because not only it gives global optimal solution but also its mechanization is very simple and computationally efficient. Reactive generation participation factors have been used to decide weights for reactive power reserve for each of generating bus. Developed algorithm has been implemented on 6-bus, 7-line and 25-bus 35-line standard test systems. Results have been compared with those obtained using Devidon-Fletcher-Powell's (DFP) method. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.