Differential evolution algorithm for optimal reactive power dispatch

Reactive power dispatch (RPD) is one of the important tasks in the operation and control of power system. This paper presents an efficient and reliable evolutionary-based approach to solve the RPD problem. The proposed approach employs differential evolution (DE) algorithm for optimal settings of RPD control variables. The proposed approach is examined and tested on the standard IEEE 30-bus test system with different objectives that reflect power losses minimization, voltage profile improvement, and voltage stability enhancement. The simulation results of the proposed approach are compared to those reported in the literature. The results demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach and show its effectiveness and robustness to solve the RPD problem.