Hybrid PSO-ACO algorithm to solve economic load dispatch problem with transmission loss for small scale power system

This paper presents a novel solution of convex and non-convex economic load dispatch (ELD) problem of small scale thermal power system using a hybrid soft computing approach. The solution method involves a combination of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithms where the latter is used to tune the solution obtained by the former towards finding global optima. The proposed approach is found useful in finding economic dispatch in a 3-generator 5-bus system by considering generator capacity constraints, transmission loss, ramp rate limits, prohibited operating zones and valve point loading. Six test cases have been studied in a simulated environment. The paper shows that by applying the PSO-ACO hybrid algorithm 300MW power demand can be successfully met at minimum generation cost incurring minimum transmission loss.

I. Introduction

The present study focuses on small scale thermal power generating system where main concern is continuous and reliable power generation to meet the increasing demand with optimum generation schedule of the generators. With the increase in power demand and fuel cost, the generation cost is higher which ultimately affects the user community. So the other aim of optimization of power generation and distribution is to minimize the overall generation cost and power loss in transmission lines.