Reactive Power Optimization of Power System based on Particle Swarm Optimization and Non Linear Programming

Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem in electrical power system is considered as a constrained nonlinear, single objective or multiobjective optimization problem with multiple variables and multiple constraints. As the Power Transmission companies have been moving into much more competitive markets , this necessitates the implementation of Optimal Power Flow Programs for both, the planning and operation of a power system. This paper presents an approach to solve the single objective OPF problem considering the reactive power loss minimization as the objective function, while satisfying a set of constraints (which may be continuous , discrete or Binary ) associated with control variables such as automatic voltage regulator (AVR) operating values of generators, tap positions of on-load tap changer (OLTC) of transformers, and the switched reactive power compensation equipment (Shunt Capacitors). Constrained Non-Linear Programming-Interior Point (IP) Method and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) have been used for this purpose. The proposed algorithm’s have been applied to IEEE 14 bus, IEEE 30 Bus and 24 bus systems. Results obtained with both the Optimization algorithms are compared.