Locating Static Var Compensators for Loss Minimisation using Linear Mixed Integer Programming and Multiple Loading Levels

In the traditional sense, Static Var Compensators (SVCs) placement is a nonlinear optimisation problem and unsolvable if reactive power is ignored in the problem formulation. In this paper, we propose the placement of SVCs based on a linearised load flow equations, with the required reactive power components included in the formulation. These linearised load flow equations together with mixed integer programming are used to allocate SVCs considering simultaneously multiple load values. Previously in the literature, only single load value was used to allocate SVCs. The proposed linearisation of the load flow equations minimises active power losses. This approach also overcomes long computational issue associated with the consideration of multiple loading levels in allocating SVCs. Results indicate that the consideration of multiple loading levels of a network lead to better positions to place the SVCs.