Optimal placement and sizing of static var compensators in power systems using improved harmony search algorithm

This paper presents the application of the improved harmony search (IHS) algorithm for determining the optimal location and sizing of static Var compensator (SVC) to improve the voltage profile and reduce system power losses. A multi-criterion objective function comprising of both operational objectives and investment costs is considered. The results on the 57-bust test system showed that the IHS algorithm give lower power loss and better voltage improvement compared to the particle swarm optimization method in solving the SVC placement and sizing problem.