Usually, the optimal integration of thyristor-controlled series compensators (TCSCs) aims at enhancing power system performance like all of flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) devices. The insertion of TCSC unites targets to minimize active/reactive power losses, increase transmission-lines flow reserve beyond the thermal limit, and improve the voltage profile while maintaining the total generation cost of the system slightly affected compared to its single objective base case. In this paper, the optimal power flow (OPF) framework is considered to find the best site and size of the TCSCs devices considering techno-economic issues for reducing the costs of installed TCSCs devices as well as for generation costs. An adaptive parallel seeker optimization algorithm (APSOA) is investigated to employ this techno-economic study. The proposed APSOA is used to solve the multi-objective OPF problem while LSR reduces the search space. The proposed algorithm is tested over three IEEE standards with 9−, 30− and 57-bus test systems at normal and contingency operating conditions. Also, a large system of IEEE 118-bus is used also in order for the proposed technique to be adopted by industry, sound solutions for practical and realistic test systems are needed besides proof of concept on small IEEE test systems. Four-study cases considered to demonstrate the capabilities and gains of the proposed method from the point of view of reducing losses and total voltage deviation to lower levels as compared to those on literature for better energy utilization efficiency. INDEX TERMS Energy utilization efficiency, optimal power flow problem, compensation, power loss minimization, FACTS devices.

Active distribution networks concerned with providing efficient control technologies for large-scale integration of distributed generation (DG) units into the distribution systems. This research proposes a methodology for distribution networks reconfiguration by controlling number, sharing, size, and location of DG units. Also, the soft-open points (SOPs) are added instead of the tie line switches. The SOPs are benefited with its high capability in controlling active/reactive power flow to enhance transmission system performance. The main target of this work is to increase the efficiency of energy utilization through minimizing the power system losses and improving system voltage profile while preserving all system constraints within permissible limits with reliable and flexible networks in normal and abnormal conditions with a suitable penetration level of DG. A modified particle swarm optimizer is developed to find the best system configuration, size, and placement of DG units as well as the size and allocation of SOPs. Research methodology is tested on two standards: the IEEE 33-node and 69-node distribution networks under different operating cases. This paper compares the obtained results with those in the literature to prove the capabilities of the proposed work. Finally, the suggested work pursues the optimal number of DG units with their appropriate penetration levels and selects the most convenient location of SOPs for adequate network reconfiguration. INDEX TERMS Efficiency of energy utilization, active distribution networks, distributed generation, soft-open points, modified particle swarm optimization.

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This research develops an overall framework for optimal operation of Hybrid Renewable Energy Resources (HRERs) system that involves the combination of PV/WT/Diesel units. In the proposed framework, a co-simulator tool is proposed to find the optimal scheduling of HRERs parameters. It composes HOMER PRO and NEPALN packages that are managed by C++ based online optimizer. Different scenarios of hybridization of energy resources are considered achieving technical, economic and environmental perspectives using the HOMER PRO package. The best allocation and sizing of Soft Open Points (SOPs) and the sharing of HRERs are obtained via multi-objective Artificial Electric Field Algorithm (AEFA). The simulation results propose a new hybrid grid-connected system to supply a realistic case study in Sohag-Egypt. That proposed HRERs system demonstrated a feasible economic solution at acceptable levels of gases emission and fuel consumption. Besides, the optimal operation of the HRERs system with SOPs potentially achieve significant technical perspectives that enhance the system losses, improve the voltage profile and increase the loading capacities of transmission lines. The technical perspective is handled using NEPLAN software. Furthermore, the simulation studies prove the high flexible planning and operation of distribution system at significant improvements technical, economic and environmental perspectives. INDEX TERMS Active distribution networks, hybrid renewable energy resources, techno-economic analysis, HOMER PRO, NEPLAN, artificial electric field algorithm.

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