Optimal Reactive Power Planning by covering deficient voltage demands with additional reactive power sources using a sensitivity approach

Abstract:
The determination of the optimal location, types and size of additional required reactive power sources is a main interest of Reactive Power Planning (RPP) investigations and of this paper. The planning problem addresses the maintenance of voltage stability, which is an ancillary service in Germany, and can be formulated as a mixed-integer optimization prob-lem. The aim of this work is a techno-economically efficient coverage of the deficient steady state voltage deviation demands (VDD) by placing new reactive power sources with adequate size or extending the reactive power potential of existing sources. An optimization model is set up to solve the planning problem by using load flow voltage sensitivities, which quantify and evaluate the technical efficiency of new reactive power sources in relation to the present voltage deviation demands. Operating and investment costs are used as economic decision parameters. Within an application example, which is carried out with an exemplary transmission system, the solution of the planning problem is discussed.