Power system structure optimization subject to reliability constraints

The problem of the optimization of the structure of a power system where redundant elements are included in order to provide a desired level of reliability is considered. A procedure which determines the minimal cost series-parallel system configuration is proposed. In this procedure, system elements are chosen from a list of products available on the market and the number of such elements is determined for each system component. The elements are characterized by their capacity, availability and cost. System reliability is defined as the ability to satisfy consumer demand which is represented as a piecewise cumulative load curve. To evaluate system reliability, a fast procedure is developed which is based on a universal generating function. A genetic algorithm is used as an optimization technique. An example of the redundancy optimization of a power station coal feeding system is presented. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science S.A.