Novel design of artificial ecosystem optimizer for large-scale optimal reactive power dispatch problem with application to Algerian electricity grid

Abstract

Optimization of reactive power dispatch (ORPD) problem is a key factor for stable and secure operation of the electric power systems. In this paper, a newly explored nature-inspired optimization through artificial ecosystem optimization (AEO) algorithm is proposed to cope with ORPD problem in large-scale and practical power systems. ORPD is a well-known highly complex combinatorial optimization task with nonlinear characteristics, and its complexity increases as a number of decision variables increase, which makes it hard to be solved using conventional optimization techniques. However, it can be efficiently resolved by using nature-inspired optimization algorithms. AEO algorithm is a recently invented optimizer inspired by the energy flocking behavior in a natural ecosystem including non-living elements such as sunlight, water, and air. The main merit of this optimizer is its high flexibility that leads to …