Orthogonal PSO algorithm for economic dispatch of power under power grid constraints

We propose an enhanced Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm named Orthogonal PSO (OPSO) algorithm, for Economic Dispatch (ED) of the generated power in a smart grid environment. The equality and nequality constraints, and power balance response against mismatch between load demand and total power outputs of generating units involve nonlinear characteristics and non-smooth cost functions. The proposed OPSO algorithm has the ability to solve such complex problems of power systems including ED. The OPSO algorithm applies Orthogonal Vectors (OVs) in the d-dimensional search space. The d particles that have possible solutions move in the d-dimensional search space to form OVs. These OVs are generated and updated in each iteration and they used to guide those particles to fly in one direction toward global minimum. The OPSO algorithm is evaluated and tested through 15 generating units and its performance is compared with several other optimization methods. We found that OPSO algorithm provides better results in solving the total cost, and power constraints. Furthermore, the OPSO algorithm is succeeded to improve the PSO algorithm in terms of high solution quality, robustness and convergence.