SVC damping controller design based on firefly optimization algorithm in multi machine power system

Power system stability is a great concern in today's interconnected power system especially when the system is subjected to a fault. These faults occasionally lead to Low Frequency Oscillation (LFO). Therefore, Shunt Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices for example, SVC are employed to provide damping to attain system stability. The performance of SVC is totally dependent on proper tuning of its controller and usually heuristic optimization techniques are used to search the best controller parameters. In this paper, a popular metaheuristic optimization technique known as Firefly Algorithm (FA) is presented for optimal design of SVC controller in multi machine power system. In the simulation, the linearized model of power system and conventional lead-lag controller as SVC damping controller are used. The performance of obtained results using Firefly Algorithm (FA) is compared with the results obtained from Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Algorithm. The comparison of attained results show that FA can find more optimal parameter values of SVC damping controller and subsequently enhance power system stability