Application of the Firefly algorithm to optimal over-current relay coordination

Optimization of over current relay settings is a major problem in protection of electrical power systems. This paper describes the Firefly algorithm for optimal time coordination of these relays. The algorithm has been implemented in MATLAB and tested on a radial system, as well as a single end fed system with a parallel feeder. The results obtained by the Firefly algorithm (FA) are compared with those obtained by the Genetic algorithm (GA) and the Linear Programming method. The novel feature of this paper is the application of the Firefly algorithm to the problem of over-current relay coordination.