Evaluation of existing optimal VAr planning tools on utility systems

Findings of a recently completed EPRI project conducting a comprehensive ev aluation of optimal VAr planning/OPF tools are reported. Three selected too ls were adapted to address VAr allocation studies on four large-scale utili ty systems. The results obtained indicate that the use of such tools offers significant savings in cost of added MVAr requirements and the number of a llocated sites with reasonable and manageable computer execution times. Bas ed on the adaptation requirements for the different programs and studies co nducted, recommendations on enhancement areas for the selected tools are pr ovided, One of the major concerns in these studies should be the implementa bility of the results. This requires careful design including assignment of controls and constraints that can be implemented in the field together wit h the available tools to provide such requirements.