In a significant stride towards optimizing power grid efficiency, researchers have demonstrated how strategic placement of wind power plants (WPs) and Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices can substantially reduce operational costs. The study, led by Le Chi Kien from the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, was published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports.
The research focused on the IEEE 30-bus transmission power grid, a standard test system in power engineering. The team explored the optimal placement of WPs, Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitors (TCSCs), and Static VAr Compensators (SVCs) to minimize total costs, including fuel, losses, and FACTS device expenses. “We converted the investment, operation, and maintenance costs of these components into one-hour equivalents and applied the peak load hour to assess their impact,” Kien explained.
To tackle this complex optimization problem, the researchers employed several advanced algorithms, including the constriction factor-based particle swarm optimization (CF-PSO), Coot optimization algorithm (COOT), Equilibrium optimizer (EO), and Hippopotamus optimization algorithm (HO). After evaluating the performance of these algorithms, they found that the Equilibrium optimizer (EO) was the most effective.
The study revealed that combining two TCSCs and two SVCs yielded the most significant cost savings. Moreover, the simulations for installing WPs in three different zones in Vietnam with varying mean wind speeds showed that a mean wind speed of 6.33 m/s was not suitable for placing WPs. However, for the two remaining mean wind speeds (8.11 m/s and 10.25 m/s), the investment in WPs was found to be maximum, and the total cost was minimum.
This research has profound implications for the energy sector, particularly in regions with high wind potential. By strategically integrating WPs and FACTS devices, power grid operators can enhance system stability, reduce losses, and lower operational costs. “Our findings can guide policymakers and industry stakeholders in making informed decisions about renewable energy integration and power grid optimization,” Kien stated.
As the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources, such studies become increasingly vital. The insights gained from this research can help shape future developments in power grid management, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient energy infrastructure. With the energy sector under constant pressure to reduce costs and improve efficiency, this study offers a promising path forward, demonstrating the potential of combining renewable energy sources with advanced grid technologies.