Solution of combined heat and power economic dispatch problem using genetic algorithm.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The combination of heat and power constitutes a system that provides electricity and thermal energy concurrently. Its high efficiency and significant emission reduction makes it an outstanding prospect in the future of energy production and transmission. The broad application of combined heat and power units requires the joint dispatch of power and heating systems, in which the modelling of combined heat and power units plays a vital role. This research paper employed genetic algorithm, artificial bee colony, differential evolution, particle swarm optimization and direct solution algorithms to evaluate the cost function as well as output decision variables of heat and power in a system that has simple cycle cogeneration unit with quadratic cost function. The system was first modeled to determine the various parameters of combined heat and power units in order to solve the economic dispatch problem with direct solution algorithm. In order for modelling to be done, a general structure of combined heat and power must be defined. The system considered in this research consists of four test units, i.e. two conventional power units, one combined heat and power unit and one heat-only unit. These algorithms were applied to on the research data set to determine the required decision variables while taking into account the power and heat units, operation bound of power and heat-only units as well as feasible operation region of the cogeneration unit. Power and heat output decision variables plus cost functions from Genetic Algorithm, differential evolution, Particle Swarm Optimization and artificial bee colony were determined using codes. Also, the decision variables and cost function value were obtained by calculations using direct solution algorithm. The findings of the research paper show that there are different ways in which combined heat and power economic dispatch variables can be determined, which include genetic algorithm, differential evolution, artificial bee colony, particle swarm optimization and direct solution algorithms. However, each solution method allows for different combined heat and power output decision variables to be found, with some of the methods (particle swarm optimization and artificial bee colony) having setbacks such as: large objective function values, slower convergence and large number solution. The analysis revealed that the differential evolution algorithm is a viable alternative to solving combined heat and power problems. This is due in most part to its faster convergence, minimum cost function value, and high quality solution which are diverse and widespread, more as a result of its effective search capability than genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, direct solution and artificial bee colony algorithms. The methods investigated in this research paper can be used and expanded on to create useful and accurate technique of solving combined heat and power problems

Integration of solar energy and optimized economic dispatch using genetic algorithm: A case-study of Abu Dhabi

© 2017 IEEE. The United Arab Emirates is focusing on cultivating Renewable Energy (RE) to meet its growing power demand. This also brings power planning to the forefront in regards to keen interests in renewable constrained economic dispatch. This paper takes note of UAE's vision in incorporating a better energy mix of Renewable Energy (RE), nuclear, hybrid system along with the existing power plants mostly utilizing natural gas; with further attention for a sound economic dispatch scenario. The paper describes economic dispatch and delves into the usage of Genetic Algorithm to optimize the proposed system of thermal plants and solar systems. The paper explains the problem formulation, describes the system used, and illustrates the results achieved. The aim of the research is in line with the objective function to minimize the total costs of production and to serve the purpose of integrating renewable energy into the traditional power production in UAE. The generation mix scenarios are assessed using genetic algorithm using MATLAB simulation for the optimization problem

A hybrid GA–PS–SQP method to solve power system valve-point economic dispatch problems

This study presents a new approach based on a hybrid algorithm consisting of Genetic Algorithm (GA), Pattern Search (PS) and Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) techniques to solve the well-known power system Economic dispatch problem (ED). GA is the main optimizer of the algorithm, whereas PS and SQP are used to fine tune the results of GA to increase confidence in the solution. For illustrative purposes, the algorithm has been applied to various test systems to assess its effectiveness. Furthermore, convergence characteristics and robustness of the proposed method have been explored through comparison with results reported in literature. The outcome is very encouraging and suggests that the hybrid GA–PS–SQP algorithm is very efficient in solving power system economic dispatch problem

Combined heat and power - optimal power flow based on thermodynamic model with associated petroleum and wet gas utilization constraints

Oil fields produce associated petroleum and wet gas, which can be mixed with commercial natural gas as fuel. Associated petroleum and wet gas are a low cost, low quality fuel, whereas commercial natural gas is the opposite. Two parameters are affected by this mixture: the fuel cost and the power – steam output of gas turbine – heat recovery steam generators. This research develops a Unit Commitment and Optimal Power Flow model based on Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming to optimize combined heat and power cost by considering the optimal mixture between associated petroleum - wet gas and commercial natural gas. A thermodynamic model is used to represent the performance of gas turbine – heat recovery steam generators when subjected to different fuel mixtures. The results show that the proposed model can optimize cost by determining the most efficient power – steam dispatch and optimal fuel mixture. Furthermore, the optimization model can analyse the trade-off between power system losses, steam demand and associated - wet gas utilization.