A new ant algorithm solving the combined economic and emission dispatch problem

Abstract

This paper presents a new approach to the Combined Economic and Emission Dispatch (CEED) problem, using the Continuous Ant System (C-ANT) algorithm. The CEED problem is a multi-objective nonlinear optimization problem with constraints. This problem is one of the fundamentals issues in power system operations. The paper focuses on the emission of nitrogen oxides (NO x ), because its control is significant in electric power planning. A new ant algorithm (C-ANT) is proposed for solving the CEED problem. The CEED problem is converted into a single optimization problem using a price penalty factor h. To show its efficiency and effectiveness, the proposed C-ANT algorithm is applied to a six-generator test system. The load demand of the system is 500 and 900 MW. Results show the applicability and efficiency of the proposed C-ANT algorithm. With respect to the applicability of the algorithm, the fact that it has been designed to accommodate continuous intervals in problem space distinguishes it from other similar algorithmic approaches.