Solution of Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch by an Opposition-Based Gravitational Search Algorithm

Abstract

Management of reactive power resources is vital for stable and secure operation of power systems in the view point of voltage stability. In the present work, opposition-based gravitational search algorithm (OGSA) is applied for the solution of optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) of power systems. ORPD is an optimisation problem that decreases grid congestion with one or more objective of minimising the active power loss for a fixed economic power schedule. In this study, OGSA is tested on the standard IEEE 30-bus test system with different test cases such as minimisation of active power losses, improvement of voltage profile and enhancement of voltage stability. The obtained results are compared with those reported in the literature. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority and accuracy of the proposed algorithm. Considering the quality of the solution obtained, the proposed algorithm seems to be effective and robust to solve the ORPD problem.KeywordsOpposition-based gravitational search algorithmoptimal reactive power dispatch