Quasi-oppositional differential search algorithm applied to load frequency control

Abstract

In this article, quasi-oppositional differential search algorithm (QODSA) is proposed for finding an optimal and effective solution for load frequency control (LFC) problem in the power system. Initially, original DSA is employed for fine-tuning of the secondary controller of LFC system and then, quasi-oppositional based learning (Q-OBL) mechanism is integrated into the original DSA to enhance the convergence speed and to find a better solution of LFC problem. To validate the effectiveness of proposed QODSA, four widely used interconnected power system networks are designed and analyzed. The superiority of the proposed method is established by an extensive comparative analysis with other existing evolutionary algorithm’s (EA) using transient analysis method. A critical investigation of simulation results reveals that the proposed QODSA gives simple and better solution compared to original DSA and other reported algorithms. To study the robustness of QODSA, two different random load patterns are projected and results confirm the robustness of the designed controllers. To add some degree of nonlinearity, generation rate constraint and governor dead band effects are considered and their consequence on the system dynamics has been examined. Finally, sensitivity analysis is performed with a wide variation of system parameters.