Variable structure load frequency controller using particle swarm optimization technique

In this paper, selection of the variable structure controller feedback gains by Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique is presented contrary to the trial and error selection of the variable structure feedback gains reported in literature. The proposed design has been applied to the load frequency problem of a single area power system. The system performance against a step load variations has been simulated and compared to some previous methods. Simulation results show that not only dynamic system performance has been improved, but also the control effort is reduced. The results show the reliability of the proposed technique

Particle swarm optimization and Taguchi algorithm-based power system stabilizer-effect of light loading condition

A robust design of particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Taguchi algorithm-based power system stabilizer (PSS) is presented in this paper. It incorporates a novel concept in which Taguchi and PSO techniques are integrated for stabilization of single machine infinite bus (SMIB). The system tolerates uncertainty and imprecision to a maximum extent. The proposed controller's effectiveness is proved through experiments covering light load condition using MATLAB/Simulink platform. The performance of the system is compared without PSS and with a conventional PSS. The settling time of the optimal PSS is decreased by more than 75% to conventional PSS. The study reveals that the proposed hybrid controller offers enhanced performance with respect to settling time as well as peak overshoot of the system

Load Frequency Control (LFC) Strategies in Renewable Energy‐Based Hybrid Power Systems:A Review

The hybrid power system is a combination of renewable energy power plants and conventional energy power plants. This integration causes power quality issues including poor settling times and higher transient contents. The main issue of such interconnection is the frequency variations caused in the hybrid power system. Load Frequency Controller (LFC) design ensures the reliable and efficient operation of the power system. The main function of LFC is to maintain the system frequency within safe limits, hence keeping power at a specific range. An LFC should be supported with modern and intelligent control structures for providing the adequate power to the system. This paper presents a comprehensive review of several LFC structures in a diverse configuration of a power system. First of all, an overview of a renewable energy-based power system is provided with a need for the development of LFC. The basic operation was studied in single-area, multi-area and multi-stage power system configurations. Types of controllers developed on different techniques studied with an overview of different control techniques were utilized. The comparative analysis of various controllers and strategies was performed graphically. The future scope of work provided lists the potential areas for conducting further research. Finally, the paper concludes by emphasizing the need for better LFC design in complex power system environments

Optimal Control of Power Quality in Microgrids Using Particle Swarm Optimisation

Driven by environmental protection, economic factors, conservation of energy resources, and technical challenges, the microgrid has emerged as an innovative small-scale power generation network. Microgrids consist of a cluster of Distributed Generation units that encompass a portion of an electric power distribution system and may rely on different energy sources. Functionally, the microgrid is required to provide adequate levels and quality of power to meet load demands. The issue of power quality is significant as it directly affects the characteristics of the microgrid’s operation. This problem can be defined as an occurrence of short to long periods of inadequate or unstable power outputs by the microgrid. In a stand-alone operation mode, the system voltage and frequency must be established by the microgrid, otherwise the system will collapse due to the variety in the microgrid component characteristics. The harmonic distortion of the output power waveforms is also a serious problem that often occurs because of the high speed operation of the converter switches. The long transient period is a critical issue that is usually caused by changing the operation mode or the load demand. Power sharing among the Distributed Generation units is also an important matter for sharing the load appropriately, particularly given that some renewable energy resources are not available continuously. In a utility connected microgrid, the reliable power quality mainly depends on the regulation of both active and reactive power, because the microgrid’s behaviour is mostly dominated by the bulk power system. Therefore, an optimal power control strategy is proposed in this thesis to improve the quality of the power supply in a microgrid scenario. This controller comprises an inner current control loop and an outer power control loop based on a synchronous reference frame and conventional PI regulators. The power control loop can operate in two modes: voltage-frequency power control mode and active-reactive power control mode. Particle Swarm Optimisation is an intelligent searching algorithm that is applied here for real-time self-tuning of the power control parameters. The voltage-frequency power controller is proposed for an inverter-based Distributed Generation unit in an autonomous operation mode. The results show satisfactory system voltage and frequency, high dynamic response, and an acceptable harmonic distortion level. The active-reactive power controller is adopted for an inverter-based Distributed Generation unit in a utility operation mode. This controller provides excellent regulation of the active and reactive power, in particular when load power has to be shared equally between the microgrid and utility. The voltage-frequency and active-reactive power control modes are used for a microgrid configured from two DG units in an autonomous operation mode. The proposed control strategy maintains the system voltage and frequency within acceptable limits, and injects sustained output power from one DG unit during a load change. The reliability of the system’s operation is investigated through developing a small-signal dynamic model for the microgrid. The results prove that the system was stable for the given operating point and under the proposed power controller. Consequently, this research reveals that the microgrid can successfully operate as a controllable power generation unit to support the utility, thus reducing the dependency on the bulk power system and increasing the market penetration of the micro-sources