Enhancing grid performance through coordinated SVC-TCSC operation with PV support: A case study on IEEE 30-bus system under progressive loading

Abstract

Power systems face growing challenges of voltage instability, line congestion, and increased losses under rising demand. This study proposes a coordinated approach using two flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices: the static var compensator (SVC) and the thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC), together with photovoltaic (PV) generation, to enhance grid performance. The IEEE 30 bus test system is analyzed under normal and increased load conditions (5%, 10%, 15% load growth). Results show that coordinated SVC TCSC operation improves voltage profiles, reduces critical line loading by 14%, and lowers active and reactive losses by 10% and 23.8%, respectively, in the base case. Under a 15% load increase, integrating a 25 MW PV system with the coordinated FACTS restores the minimum voltage to 0.95 p.u., reduces line congestion by 27%, and decreases active and reactive losses by 35.5% and 53.5%. The combined FACTS PV strategy proves essential for maintaining stability and efficiency under high load growth. This integrated approach provides practical guidance for transmission operators toward resilient, loss aware, and renewable integrated smart grids.