Tree searching heuristic algorithm for multi-stage transmission planning considering security constraints via genetic algorithm

This paper presents a methodology to solve the multi-stage transmission system expansion planning (MSTSEP) based on tree searching heuristic algorithm (TSHA) combined with a genetic algorithm (GA). The objective is to determine where and when the reinforcements must be available to ensure the system's demand and security criteria. The set of best solutions provided by TSHA can be used as initial population for the GA technique in order to search for expansion plans with enough capacity to meet the N − 1 criterion according to a predetermined list of contingencies. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology the results of two systems will be compared with a numerical based approach provided by a commercial software and other academic research.