Optimal Placement of SVC and OPF Solution Using Gravitational Search Algorithm Considering Ramp-Rate Constraints

Abstract: In this paper we present a Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA)-based OPF (Optimal Power Flow) problem based on Static Var Compensator (SVC) and generator ramp rate constraints. The OPF problem is designed to minimize generation fuel cost and voltage deviation while satisfying power balance equations and operating limits of generators, transformers, transmission lines and reactive power sources. An SVC is placed on the weakest bus under consideration to mitigate voltage deviation and is a controllable reactive power injection device. The proposed GSA can cope with the nonlinear and constrained nature of the OPF problem by adaptively interacting among possible solutions. We evaluate the effectiveness of the method on the IEEE 14-bus test system and compare it with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves lower generation cost, transmission losses, better voltage profile, and faster convergence than PSO. These results support the idea that integrated GSA, SVC compensation and ramp rate constraints are an effective and computationally efficient solution for practical application of OPF in power systems.

Keywords: Optimal Power Flow, Gravitational Search Algorithm, Static Var Compensator, Ramp-Rate Constraint, Voltage Deviation, Economic Load Dispatch, FACTS Devices