Reactive power optimization using firefly algorithm

Abstract

This paper presents a Firefly algorithm to minimize the real power losses and to improve the voltage profile. This problem is a nonlinear combinatorial optimization with constraints. Newton-Raphson method of power flow is used in conjunction with Firefly algorithm to obtain the optimal values of the control variables. The control variables for this problem are the Generator bus voltages, Transformer Tap positions and the MVAR at the capacitor Banks. The performance of the proposed algorithm has been demonstrated with the IEEE 30-bus system. The algorithm used in this problem is compared to another nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithm (PSO). The simulated result shows improved results both in terms of convergence time and reduction of real power loss.