Optimal reactive power dispatch using self-adaptive real coded genetic algorithm

In this paper, self-adaptive real coded genetic algorithm (SARGA) is used as one of the techniques to solve optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) problem. The self-adaptation in real coded genetic algorithm (RGA) is introduced by applying the simulated binary crossover (SBX) operator. The binary tournament selection and polynomial mutation are also introduced in real coded genetic algorithm. The problem formulation involves continuous (generator voltages), discrete (transformer tap ratios) and binary (var sources) decision variables. The stochastic based SARGA approach can handle all types of decision variables and produce near optimal solutions. The IEEE 14- and 30-bus systems were used as test systems to demonstrate the applicability and efficiency of the proposed method. The performance of the proposed method is compared with evolutionary programming (EP) and previous approaches reported in the literature. The results show that SARGA solves the ORPD problem efficiently.