Load Frequency Control Optimization Using PSO (A case of the Power System in Zambia)

Abstract

The objective in this paper is to propose improvement in power system stability and economy of power generation through optimization of Load Frequency Control (LFC) in a four (4) area interconnected power system involving hydro and thermal plants using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Area-1,2 and 3 comprise hydro plants and area-4 comprise thermal plant. This is representative of ninety percent the national electricity power system in Zambia is configured. The system is non-linear because it interconnects hydro and thermal plants. The experiments in MATLAB/SIMULINK seek to determine implementation of LFC optimization and compare results with existing isolated area AGC system used in primary frequency management. PSO-PID controller is used to determine frequency deviation step response of the power system and comparing results produced from isolated AGC system.