A Hybrid PPSOGSA Algorithm for Optimal Volt/VAr/THDv Control in Distorted Radial Distribution Systems

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a new hybrid PPSOGSA algorithm based on the phasor particle swarm optimization (PPSO) and gravitational search algorithm (GSA) for solving the Volt/VAr/THDv control optimization problem in radial distribution systems with non-linear loads. The PPSOGSA’s performance is analyzed and evaluated using the standard IEEE 30-bus radial distribution test system. The optimal solutions are obtained based on the following three optimization criteria: minimization of total active power losses, minimization of the voltage deviation, and a simultaneous minimization of total active power losses and voltage deviation. The voltage total harmonic distortion levels (THDv) are estimated using the decoupled harmonic power flow (DHPF) algorithm. Simulation results, obtained using the proposed PPSOGSA-based approach, are compared with those obtained using the other optimization algorithms such as PSO, PPSO, GSA, and PSOGSA. It is shown that the PPSOGSA-based approach has better performance in comparison to the other optimization techniques.

KEYWORDS:

• optimal reactive power flow
• harmonic distortion
• voltage control; hybrid algorithm
• phasor particle swarm optimization; gravitational search algorithm

Additional information

Funding

This paper was supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia (grant number TR 33046).