Search and Rescue Optimization Algorithm Tuned FOTID Controller for Load Frequency Control of Power System

This paper addresses the performance of a Fractional Order based Tilt-Integral-Derivative controller employed in a power system to manage the load frequency control (LFC) problem when connected to a power system tuned by a recently reported Search and Rescue (SAR) metaheuristic algorithm. Simulation studies have shown that the proposed optimization technique has resulted in successfully adapting the controller parameters. However, analysis has also been carried out to investigate the behavior of the SAR algorithm when certain intrinsic factors involved with it have been varied. To validate the present contribution, a few power system models comprising multi–area and multi-source generating units have been considered, along with incorporating some non-linear characteristics, namely governor dead band and generation rate constraint, with an intention to create a realistic scenario. A single-objective minimization function using the performance index ITAE is used to facilitate the algorithm in tuning the parameters of the FOTID controller. A comparison has been made to show the potentiality of the SAR-tuned FOTID controller with the conventional Tilt-Integral-Derivative as well as Proportional-Integral-Derivative controllers. Assessment of the dynamic behaviors of the system models by embedding the FOTID controller has been made by comparing them with the conventional controllers using simulation studies. The stubbornness of the SAR:FOTID controller by varying internal parameters associated and the external disturbances has been validated by carrying out the sensitivity and robust analyses, respectively. Also, the efficiency of the SAR algorithm based tuning technique has also been experimented with some well-known algorithms like the Whale Optimization, Flower Pollination and the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithms in the present study. Conclusions are drawn after an exhaustive analysis, which justifies that the SAR-optimized FOTID controller can also be a competitor as it provides quite satisfactory control action to minimize issues related to the LFC concern. Furthermore, the limitations of the method proposed have also been discussed, and the techniques to overcome them have been recommended. Moreover, the future plan of action for the current work has also been presented in this article.