Chaotic Particle Swarm Optimization for Solving Reactive Power Optimization Problem

Abstract

The losses in electrical power systems are a great problem. Multiple methods have been utilized to decrease power losses in transmission lines. The proper adjusting of reactive power resources is one way to minimize the losses in any power system. Reactive Power Optimization (RPO) problem is a nonlinear and complex optimization problem and contains equality and inequality constraints. The RPO is highly essential in the operation and control of power systems. Therefore, the study concentrates on the Optimal Load Flow calculation in solving RPO problems. The Simple Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) often falls into the local optima solution. To prevent this limitation and speed up the convergence for the Simple PSO algorithm, this study employed an improved hybrid algorithm based on Chaotic theory with PSO, called Chaotic PSO (CPSO) algorithm. Undeniably, this merging of chaotic theory in PSO algorithm can be an efficient method to slip very easily from local optima compared to Simple PSO algorithm due to remarkable behavior and high ability of the chaos. In this study, the CPSO algorithm was utilized as an optimization tool for solving the RPO problem; the main objective in this study is to decrease the power loss and enhance the voltage profile in the power system. The presented algorithm was tested on IEEE Node-14 system. The simulation implications for this system reveal that the CPSO algorithm provides the best results. It had a high ability to minimize transmission line losses and improve the system's voltage profile compared to the Simple PSO and other approaches in the literature.