Gravitational Search Algorithm Optimization for Dynamic Economic Load Dispatch with Valve-Point Effects

Abstract

The dynamic economic load dispatch problem (DELDP), with the consideration of valve-point effects, is a complicated non-linear constrained optimization problem with non-smooth and non-convex characteristics. The main goal of DELDP is to find out the optimal generation schedule of the generators corresponding to the most economical operating point of the system over the considered timing horizon. In this paper, a new swarm based optimization algorithm, so called gravitational search algorithm (GSA) has been proposed to solve the DELDP with considering valve-point effects and transmission power loss constraints. The performance of the proposed method is rigorously tested for optimality, convergence, robustness and computational efficiency on a 10-unit test system with a 24-h load demand at each 1-h time intervals which is so well-known and common in literature. The proposed algorithm also takes care of different constraints like power balance, ramp rate limits and generation limits. The simulation results reveal that, compared with other methods reported in literatures recently, the proposed GSA method are capable of obtaining better quality solutions with higher efficiency. In addition, sensitivity analysis has been performed on the controlling parameters of GSA to reach the best arrangement for them.