Optimal Power Flow Using a Hybrid Improved Harris Hawks Optimization Algorithm-Pattern Search Method

Abstract

The optimal power flow (OPF) problems for effective power system planning and operations are solved using a hybrid Improved Harris Hawks Optimization and Pattern Search (PS) (hIHHO-PS) algorithm in this research. The OPF problem in this paper is considered minimization of non-convex active power generation fuel cost (NAPGFC), total active power losses (TPL), shunt capacitor cost (SCC), voltage variation (VD), and maximization of social welfare (SW) and loadability factor (LF) objective functions. The proposed hIHHO-PS algorithm was tested on different benchmark test functions (unimodal (UM), multi-modal (MM), and fixed-dimension MM functions) and IEEE 30 bus test system, and obtained results are validated with existing algorithms. These results show the proposed hIHHO-PS algorithm outperformed the others. Further, to enhance the OPF results, optimally place the multi-line Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) devices (unified power flow controller (UPFC) and generalized unified power flow controller (GUPFC)) using severity index. Furthermore, test the effects of control modes of multi-line UPFC and GUPFC devices on OPF results. These results show the multi-line FACTS devices with control mode enhance the OPF results, especially GUPFC in control mode operation.