Low-cost and flexible generation expansion planning with localization of power plants in a test bus system

Abstract

ABSTRACT Generation Expansion Planning (GEP) is a challenge in electrical power systems because the size of the generating unit is large in scale, non-linear, long-term, and discontinuous. The existing GEP models use an array of methodological techniques. These models, however, primarily focus on the type of generation unit to be installed and when to be installed so as to reduce pollution and overall costs. They do not focus on the optimal location for installation. This research work proposes an IEEE bus-30 and IEEE bus-14 merged bus systems to fulfil the electrical load demand during the 5th and 10th years of planning. In stage 1, the GEP problem is resolved using Black Widow Optimization (BWO). In stage 2, the optimal location for generating units in the proposed bus system is resolved using a Chimp Optimization Algorithm (ChoA). The best location reduces the objective function (real power loss) and satisfies the voltage and power flow limits of the electrical power system. The performance of the proposed model is compared to that of existing optimization models. The results demonstrate that the proposed work reduces costs and provides flexible operations with reduced real power loss.