Automatic Generation Control using Genetic Algorithm Based PID Controller

Abstract

In this paper Automatic Generation Control (AGC) of a single-area thermal power plant without reheat turbine is introduced using a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller. The gains of the controller are optimized using Genetic Algorithm (GA). The problem of tuning the PID controller is formulated as optimization problem with constraints on proportional, derivative and integral gains. The proposed algorithm uses Darwin’s law of natural selection and survival of the fittest to reach the optimal solution. The simulation results confirm the system’s ability to retain frequency while handling sudden load disturbances. The second part of the investigation includes robustness testing of the system against plant parameter variations. The results are verified and the system performance is found to be robust against parameter uncertainties.