This paper proposed a new swarm-based optimization technique for tuning conventional proportional-integral (PI) controller parameters of a static var compensator (SVC) which controls a synchronous generator in a single machine infinite bus (SMIB) system. As one of the Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices, SVC is designed and implemented to improve the damping of a synchronous generator. In this study, two parameters of PI controller namely proportional gain, K_P and integral gain, K_I are tuned with a new optimization method called Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). This technique mimics the social behavior of humpback whales which is characterized by their bubble-net hunting strategy in order to enhance the quality of the solution. Validation with respect to damping ratio and eigenvalues determination confirmed that the proposed technique is more efficient than Evolutionary Programming (EP) and Artificial Immune System (AIS) in improving the angle stability of the system. Comparison between WOA, EP and AIS optimization techniques showed that the proposed computation approach gives better solution and faster computation time.

<span>The installation of small-scale solar photovoltaic system has recently gaining popularity in Malaysia mainly driven by the Feed-in Tariff scheme. Given its relatively small generation capacity, the single-phase solar inverters are not required to comply with power quality standard. Neverthelss, the impact of small-scale solar system on the grid could become significant when the penetration is increasing over the years. In this regard, this paper presents a case study on the influence of single-phase grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems on the total harmonic distortion for current at the point of common coupling. Field measurements have been carried out for a total of 12 single-phase solar systems which were installed at three different locations at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka. Detailed analyses have been performed to characterize the aggregated current harmonic performance for the overall system.  The findings from the presented case study suggest that the current quality from the inverter is highly dependent on the level of inverter output. Hence, the proper selection of the array-to-inverter ratio at the system design stage could greatly improve the overall total harmonic performance performance for current.</span><span>The installation of small-scale solar photovoltaic system has recently gaining popularity in Malaysia mainly driven by the Feed-in Tariff scheme. Given its relatively small generation capacity, the single-phase solar inverters are not required to comply with power quality standard. Neverthelss, the impact of small-scale solar system on the grid could become significant when the penetration is increasing over the years. In this regard, this paper presents a case study on the influence of single-phase grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems on the total harmonic distortion for current at the point of common coupling. Field measurements have been carried out for a total of 12 single-phase solar systems which were installed at three different locations at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka. Detailed analyses have been performed to characterize the aggregated current harmonic performance for the overall system.  The findings from the presented case study suggest that the current quality from the inverter is highly dependent on the level of inverter output. Hence, the proper selection of the array-to-inverter ratio at the system design stage could greatly improve the overall total harmonic performance performance for current.</span>