Solving optimal reactive power dispatch problem using a novel teaching–learning-based optimization algorithm

• A novel optimization algorithm.
• Considering discrete and continuous control variables for solving ORPD problem.
• MGBICA algorithm was successfully implemented.

The paper presents a novel teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithm, the Gaussian bare-bones TLBO (GBTLBO) algorithm, with its modified version (MGBTLBO) for the optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) problem with discrete and continuous control variables in the standard IEEE power systems for reduction in power transmission loss. The feasibility and performance of the GBTLBO and MGBTLBO algorithms are demonstrated for standard IEEE 14-bus and standard IEEE 30-bus systems. A comparison of simulation results reveals optimization efficacy of the GBTLBO and MGBTLBO algorithms over other well established other algorithms like bare-bones differential evolution (BBDE) and bare-bones particle swarm optimization (BBPSO) algorithm. Results for ORPD problem demonstrate superiority in terms of solution quality of the GBTLBO and MGBTLBO algorithms over original TLBO algorithm and other algorithm.