Published Paper Details:

This paper presents a hybrid optimization framework for the optimal placement and sizing of Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) devices to enhance power system stability, reliability, and quality. Two FACTS devices, the Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) and the Thyristor-Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC), are employed to mitigate voltage instability, power losses, and harmonic distortion. The proposed hybrid technique integrates the Improved Grey Wolf Optimization (IGWO) with Cuckoo Search Optimization (CSO) and Improved Grey Wolf Optimization (IGWO) with Opposition-Based Learning (OBL), forming hybrid algorithms. The optimization aims to minimize active power loss, total bus voltage deviation and operating cost (OC), while improving the Voltage Stability Index (VSI). Both single-objective and multi-objective formulations are considered, and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) are utilized to identify optimal trade-offs among objectives. The algorithm is tested on IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 69-bus systems using MATLAB with MATPOWER. Comparative analyses with GWO, IGWO, and CSO demonstrate that the hybrid IGWO-CSO method and IGWO-OBL method outperforms existing algorithms in convergence speed, accuracy, and overall system performance. The results validate its effectiveness in optimally deploying FACTS devices for improved power quality and economic operation.