An Enhanced Quantum-Behaved Particle Swarm Algorithm for Reactive Power Optimization considering Distributed Generation Penetration

Abstract

This paper puts forward a novel particle swarm optimization algorithm with quantum behavior (QPSO) to solve reactive power optimization in power system with distributed generation. Moreover, differential evolution (DE) operators are applied to enhance the algorithm (DQPSO). This paper focuses on the minimization of active power loss, respectively, and uses QPSO and DQPSO to determine terminal voltage of generators, and ratio of transformers, switching group number of capacitors to achieve optimal reactive power flow. The proposed algorithms are validated through three IEEE standard examples. Comparing the results obtained from QPSO and DQPSO with those obtained from PSO, we find that our algorithms are more likely to get the global optimal solution and have a better convergence. What is more, DQPSO is better than QPSO. Furthermore, with the integration of distributed generation, active power loss has decreased significantly. Specifically, PV distributed generations can suppress voltage fluctuation better than PQ distributed generations.