Allocation of FACTS devices in hydrothermal systems

This work presents a methodology to represent and analyze the influence of FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) devices on the multiperiod economi c dispatch problem. Two FACTS devices are represented: the series compensat or and the phase shifter. The aim is to find the best location of FACTS dev ices in order to minimize the expected thermal generation costs and the inv estments on these devices in a prespecified time interval. The methodology handles the operational interdependence between cascade hydro plants which characterize the hydrothermal coordination problem, Transmission losses and circuit capacity variation are also taken into consideration. The approach is tested in a small system and to the system of the southern region of Br azil in order to illustrate the application of the algorithm. Some wheeling transactions are also introduced to investigate their influence on the FAC TS location. The results show the robustness of the approach while highligh ting the main problems which need be investigated.