International Journal of Applied Power Engineering (IJAPE) Vol.6, No.2, August 2017, pp. 55~62 ISSN: 2252-8792 DOI: 10.11591/ijape.v6.i2.pp55-62  55 Journal homepage: http://iaesjournal.com/online/index.php/IJAPE Power System Performance Improvement by Optimal Placement and Sizing of SVC using Genetic Algorithm Prasanth Duraisamy, Arul Ponnusamy Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Jayaram College of Engineering and Technology, Thuraiyur, India Article Info ABSTRACT Article history: Received Jun 2, 2017 Revised Jul 8, 2017 Accepted Jul 23, 2017 The power system loss minimization becomes more important as the need of power generation is more recent days. The loss minimization improves the voltage profile which improves the loadability of the system. In many types of flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices static var compensators (SVC) are cost vise it is affordable and it improves the system performance with lesser size. Here SVC is optimally placed in a test system of 30 bus system. Genetic algorithm is used to find the optimal results. Keyword: FACTS Genetic algorithm Loss minimization Optimal placement SVC Copyright © 2017 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science. All rights reserved. Corresponding Author: Prashanth Duraisamy, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Jayaram college of Engg. And Tech, Thurraiyur, Trichy, tamilnadu, India. Email: prashanthd222@gmail.com 1. INTRODUCTION As the growth of complex electrical power network increases, a new approach called flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) has been implemented to increase the capability of the existing transmission systems. Through this approach, new power electronic controllers with high current, high voltage were introduced to control voltage level and power flows on transmission system without decreasing the system stability and security [1-3]. Hingorani, as the pioneer has put forward FACTS, and aimed to transport the control technology based on thyristor into the AC system. FACTS is adopted modern power electronics application at the important location of the transmission system in order to control and adjust one or more of the main parameters of the transmission system, to enhance the value of ac transmission assets. These parameters include voltages, impedance, phase angle, current, active power and reactive power. The application of FACTS proved that the technology brings many benefits to the world and there are many areas of improvement. In the meantime, current researches are focused to increase its effectiveness [4]. FACTS involve reliable and high-speed power electronic switches instead of mechanically controlled devices. FACTS is also supported by advances in digital protective relays, digital controls, integrated communications and advanced control centers. The heart of FACTS is thyristors: small, high voltage, semiconductor based devices that can switch electricity at mega-watt levels within milliseconds [5- 7]. Here cost-effective SVC devices which are used to improve the voltage stability if placed optimally it reduces the loss also is used as FACTS device for improving voltage profile and reducing the losses.