Reactive power planning (RPP) and voltage stability improvement (VSI) consider two of the most important problems to meet a major challenge of the power system. In this work, a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) for RPP with objectives of cost minimization of the power losses, new reactive power (VAR) sources, maximization of the VSI, and enhancement of total transfer capacity (TTC) is introduced. Different optimization variables are considered including generator voltages, transformer tap changers besides load, and different operational constraints. The best compromise solution is determined through a fuzzy min–max approach. Comparison studies among capacitor banks, flexible ac transmission systems (FACTS) or both as new VAR support sources to achieve better performance are explored. Moreover, the optimal allocations of switchable VAR sources are not determined in advance; instead, they are treated as control variables to improve the techno-economic operation of the network. Added to that many voltage stability indicators are presented, and their results are compared. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is examined on a modified IEEE 30-bus test system and South Egypt Electricity network where felicitous results have been acquired. The results expound on the effectiveness of the proposed approach compared with other optimization methods.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.