Cost benefit analysis on SVC and UPFC in a dynamic economic dispatch problem

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to compare the performance of static VAR compensator (SVC) and unified power flow controller (UPFC) in dynamic economic dispatch (DED) problem. DED schedules the online generator outputs with the predicted load demands over a certain period so that the electric power system is operated most economically. During last decade, flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) devices are broadly used for maximizing the loadability of existing power system transmission networks. However, based on the literature survey, the performance of SVC and UPFC incorporated in the DED problem and its cost–benefit analysis are not discussed earlier in any of the literature. Design/methodology/approach – Here, the DED problem is solved applying ABC algorithm incorporating SVC and UPFC. The following conditions are investigated with the incorporation of SVC and UPFC into DED problem: the role of SVC and UPFC for improving the power flow and voltage profile and the approximate analysis on cost recovery and payback period with SVC and UPFC in DED problem. Findings – The incorporation of FACTS devices reduces the generation cost and improves the stability of the system. The percentage cost recovered with FACTS devices is estimated approximately using equated monthly installment (EMI) and non-EMI scheme. It is clear from the illustrations that the installation of FACTS devices is profitable after a certain period. Research limitations/implications – In this research work, the generation cost with FACTS devices is only taken into account while calculating the profit. The other benefits like congestion management, cost gained due to land and cost due to stability issues are not considered. For future work, these things can be considered while calculating the benefit. Originality/value – The originality of the work is incorporation of FACTS devices in DED problem and approximate estimation of recovery cost with FACTS devices in DED problem.