Loadability margin enhancement using co-ordinated aggregation based particle swarm optimization (CAPSO)

This paper describes an algorithm for rescheduling reactive power control variables so as to have an adequate loadability margin for current operating point. Co-ordinated aggregation based PSO (CAPSO) has been used as optimization technique. Two objective functions have been selected for load margin enhancement. One is minimization of total reactive power loss and other considers minimization of incremental reactive power loss. The developed algorithm has been implemented on 14-bus and 57-bus standard test systems. Results obtained have been compared with those obtained using Davidon-Fletcher-Powell's (DFP) optimization technique. CAPSO performance is better over DFP method. It has been observed that incremental loss minimization formulation does not require additional voltage stability related constraints hence computational time required is less as compared to reactive power loss minimization. Reactive power loss minimization formulation is of significance when limited reactive power source is available. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.