Economic Load Dispatch Using an Improved Particle Swarm Optimization based on functional constriction factor and functional inertia weight

Abstract

The economic load dispatch (ED) is one of the essential optimization problems in power systems planning and operation. In this paper, an improved particle swarm optimization is applied for solving economic load dispatch problems with transmission losses, ramp rate limits, valve-point loading effects, and prohibited operating zones. An improved particle swarm optimization algorithm based on a functional inertia weight and a functional constriction factor (IMPSO) is proposed to enhance performance in solving ED problems. By determining the functional constraint factor, the particles can achieve an optimal solution over a wide range to prevent early convergence. The proposed IMPSO method is verified on three test systems. For ED problems, the IMPSO is compared with results of different optimization techniques. The simulation results confirm the strength and sufficiency of the IMPSO compared to the optimization methods.