A Genetic Algorithm for Solving the Optimal Power Flow Problem

This paper presents solution of optimal power flow problem of large distribution systems via a simple genetic algorithm. The objective is to minimize the fuel cost and keep the power outputs of generators, bus voltages, shunt capacitors/reactors and transformers tap-setting in their secure limits. CPU times can be reduced by decomposing the optimization constraints to active constraints manipulated directly by the genetic algorithm, and passive constraints maintained in their soft limits using a conventional constraint load flow. The IEEE 30-bus system has been studied to show the effectiveness of the algorithm.