Applying Ant Lion Optimization Technique to Enhance Power Converters Performance via Effective Controller Tuning

The electrical power industries are constantly seeking innovative ways to improve the reliability and efficiency of the power network while simultaneously grappling with increasing energy demands and technical challenges. Recent advances in the field of metaheuristic algorithms have given researchers powerful tools to address different power system problems. Among these breakthroughs, the Voltage Source Converter (VSC) stands out, capitalizing on advancements in power electronics and semiconductor technology. VSCs offer enormous potential for ushering in smart grids, integrating renewable energy, and facilitating High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems. Conventionally, the manual tuning of Proportional-Integral Derivative (PID) for VSCs has relied on a trial-and-error approach or the expertise of design engineers. This manual approach often fails to achieve optimal performance. The complexity is further amplified when dealing with multiple grids, such as VSC-based Multi-Terminal DC (MTDC) grids. This research article focuses on the application of the Ant Lion Optimization (ALO) technique to fine-tune VSC control parameters. The improved results in dynamic response when these controllers encounter faults and unequal loads. To assess the effectiveness of this novel approach, a four-terminal Multi-Terminal High-Voltage Direct Current (MTDC) system is constructed within the PSCAD/EMTDC software environment. In a direct comparison with the classical tuning method, the proposed technique is subjected to various fault and unequal load scenarios. Through this comprehensive evaluation, the article aims to highlight the superior performance of the ALO-based approach in optimizing VSC controller parameters, resulting in an enhanced system response when faced with challenging operational conditions.