An Improved Heap-Based Optimizer for Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch

Abstract

Optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) in a typical power system is a complicated multi-objective optimization problem. The proper modeling of the multi-objective optimization problem has a significant impact on system operation and control. In this paper, an Improved Heap-based optimizer (IHBO) is proposed to improve the performance of a recently published technique called Heap-based optimizer (HBO). In addition, two algorithms based on the original HBO and IHBO are developed for solving OPRD problem. Pareto front approach is utilized in the proposed OPRD algorithm with the aim of solving two or three objective functions simultaneously. The performance of HBO is improved by utilizing the chaotic sequences with the aim of improving its global search capability and avoiding getting stuck in a local optimum. Both original HBO and proposed IHBO are applied to determine the optimal settings of the generator’s voltages, shunt capacitor reactive power, and tap settings of transformers. Therefore, this study aims for minimizing three most objective functions of the real power loss, total voltage deviation (TVD) and voltage stability index (VSI), with satisfying different operational constraints. The effectiveness of the IHBO is tested on three test systems IEEE 30-bus, IEEE 57-bus, and IEEE 118-bus test systems. The results of the proposed IHBO are compared with recently published algorithms in the literature. The simulation results proven the superiority and robustness of IHBO in solving the ORPD problem.