Effective power flow control via distributed FACTS considering future uncertainties

Abstract Flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) are important contributors to smart transmission systems. They can offer some level of power flow control and enhance the transfer capability over the existing network. This flexibility can be utilized for congestion mitigation and renewable energy integration. Distributed FACTS (D-FACTS) is a light-weight version of FACTS, which can be redeployed conveniently. Due to its lower cost and ease of installation, D-FACTS has become an attractive power flow control technology in recent years. This paper proposes a computationally efficient stochastic allocation model for D-FACTS and studies their impact on power flows. The reduction in operation cost and renewable energy curtailment, achieved through D-FACTS, is compared with that of conventional FACTS. The results are presented under a wide range of scenarios to reflect the changing and uncertain conditions of the future. The scenarios include fluctuating fuel prices, retirement of old generators, and renewable energy generation. The results show that D-FACTS can bring larger economic savings than conventional FACTS, due to its additional flexibility and lower cost; the results also suggest that D-FACTS can better accommodate the future uncertainties.