Hybrid mutation particle swarm optimisation method for available transfer capability enhancement

A Hybrid Mutation Particle Swarm Optimisation (HMPSO) technique for improved estimation of Available Transfer Capacity (ATC) is proposed in this paper. This is achieved by firstly comparing a typical application of the Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) technique with conventional Genetic Algorithm (GA) methods. Secondly, a multi-objective optimisation problem concerning optimal installation and capacity allocation of Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices is presented and demonstrated. Modern heuristic techniques such as PSO have been demonstrated to be suitable in solving non-linear power systems problems. The outcome of this research further demonstrates that with better utilisation of FACTS devices it is possible to improve transmission capabilities. The motivation of this research is a direct consequence of the deregulation of electricity industries and markets worldwide. The current deregulated environment provides transmission systems operators (TSO) with more options when procuring transmission services. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated across a range of case studies and the results are validated through analyses conducted on IEEE 30-bus and 57-bus test systems