Differential evolution algorithm based load frequency control in a two-area conventional and renewable energy based nonlinear power system

Load Frequency Control (LFC) for any power generating station is a subject of great concern for power system researchers. With the changes of load demand, frequency starts fluctuating which results in deviation in tie line power flow and frequency deviation at consumer end. To overcome this problem, many control techniques have been adopted. In early days fixed value integral/proportional-integral control, Optimal Control, Quantitative feedback theory, pole placement etc. methods were applied. In recent times, neural network, fuzzy logic, genetic algorithm controllers are replacing the conventional techniques. All the control techniques are used to find the optimal values of the PID/PI controller gain parameters (Kp, Ki, Kd) for which system stability is confirmed with minimum of Area Control Error (ACE). Differential Evolution (DE) which is a newer branch of genetic algorithms has been successfully applied in this problem. In this paper DE based PI controller has been implemented for Hydro-Thermal power plants to find out the optimal value of gain parameters for system stability. Nonlinearity has been considered in governor part of the thermal area for practical scenario. 1% step load changes have been applied to both areas simultaneously and individually to confirm its performance. Desired set of controller gain parameters (Kp, Ki) are selected based on eigenvalue and minimum value of Objective Function. All simulations are done in the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment.