A Genetic Algorithm Based Approach for Improvement in Voltage Profile

and Real Power Loss Minimization

G. Krost, nonmember
krost Ouni-duisburg.de
Gerhard Mercator University, Duisburg, Germany
Abstract - A genetic algorithm (GA) based approach to the
optimization of reactive power and voltage profile is presented
in this paper. The technical problem is defined as
minimization of real power losses by controlling generator
terminal voltages, transformer tap positions, and reactors and
capacitors as switchable reactive power sources. Constraints
such as voltage limits and generator reactive power limits are
included in the formulation by using penalty functions. One
drawback of the conventional GA approach is that it can be
time intensive. The micro GA was proposed as a more time
efficient alternative. The feasibility and the effectiveness of
both approaches applied to the problem of reactive power
control and voltage profile correction was verified on a
110/25/10 kV municipal power system, represented on an
operator training simulator in all physical and operational
detail.
G.A. Bakare, nonmember
bakareO uni-duisburg.de
Gerhard Mercator University, Duisburg, Germany
I
--
a! inltialvollage profile (system losses= 4 14MW)
13 bw voltage limit
OfinalvoHage rofile (system losses=2 1 5 W )
U hiah voltaoe emit
Keywords: Genetic algorithm, micro-genetic algorithm,
training simulator, reactive power dispatch, global
optimization.
I. INTRODUCTION
Conventional search routines to solve the optimal
reactive power control have the common defect of being
caught to local minima. In contrast, genetic algorithms
(GAS) are stochastic search techniques based on
mechanisms such as natural selection and survival of the
fittest and thus succeed in finding a global optimum. As a
robust and powerful solution for search and Optimization
problems they have been proposed for various applications
in the power systems area. One recognized disadvantage of
conventional GAS is the large number of function
evaluations, resulting in long computational times. For
speed up, a so called 'micro GA' approach was proposed in
the literature with positive results.
The work considered here explores the application of
genetic algorithms for controlling the reactive power to
improve the voltage profile and reduce the system losses.
An overview of the fundamental principles of both
conventional and micro GA are given in the paper. Their
implementation in, and comparative investigation on, an
operator training simulator is described. This simulator
models a real municipal power system in full physical and
operational detail, and thus gave the opportunity to preset a
multitude of sample scenarios under operational realism for
the verification of the GA approaches.
11. RESULTS
Based on process data from the training simulator, the
GA derives operating settings of transformer taps,
switchable reactive sources such as capacitors and
inductances, as well as magnitudes of generator units.
As a typical example taken from a multitude of test
cases, the figure shows the resulting voltage profile,
procured by the settings of the above mentioned devices as
suggested as final solution after 250 generations of the
conventional GA. Initial scenario was a low voltage
situation that realistically could occur at the end of
restorative re-supply of all loads of the system under
regard after blackout. The admissible voltage limits of
load and generator nodes respectively are indicated, too.
As it can also be seen, the system losses were
considerably reduced.
In comparison with the micro GA, the conventional
GA achieves a little worse voltage profile (in terms of
average square root of voltage deviation from nominal
value) than the micro GA but smaller losses for the same
initial scenario within the same number of generations.
Comparing the demand of computational time, there is
no linear relationship between the two approaches but the
micro GA was found to be typically 15 ... 25% faster. The
computational time itself strongly depends on the used
hardware. Using today's computer hardware (which was
not the case for the investigations made here) run times up
to one minute may be expected realistically for the
(relatively small) power system regarded here; further
time reduction seem possible through parallel computing.
111. CONCLUSIONS
Conventional and micro genetic algorithm based
approaches for voltage profile correction and loss
minimization were comparatively investigated,
implemented and successfully verified with a real
municipal power system replicated on an operator training
simulator. Transformer taps, generator terminal voltages
and switchable reactive power sources are used as control
variables. Good results were obtained in principle but
modem computer hardware is required for time
efficiency. Under these conditions, especially the micro
GA solution is intended to be finally applied as sub-
function of a restoration expert system, procuring for the
recovery to normal operating conditions from states where
the system is far outside optimal operation.
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