Anticipatory reactive power reserve maximization using differential evolution

This paper presents an algorithm for anticipatory control of load bus voltages. The algorithm optimizes a set of reactive power control variables and maximizes reactive reserve available at generating buses. Voltage dependent reactive power limits have been accounted. The optimal settings of reactive power control variables have been obtained for next interval predicted loading condition. These optimized settings satisfy the operating inequality constraints in predicted load condition as well as in present base case loading conditions. A population based differential evolution strategy has been used for optimization. Results obtained have been compared with those obtained using another population based technique known as PSO.

► Maximization of reactive power reserves accounting voltage dependent reactive power limit. ► Optimized variables maintain the voltage profile for the next predicted loading condition. ► DE with Lampinen’s technique gives global optimal solution, and handles inequality constraints. ► DE is simple and performs better than PSO & CAPSO, without much mathematical complexity.