Non‐convex dynamic dispatch of generators with prohibited operating zones

Abstract

Abstract Dynamic economic load dispatch (DELD), which plays an important role in power systems operation, is cast as a complex non‐linear constrained optimization problem. It has non‐smooth and non‐convex characteristic when generation unit valve‐point effects and prohibited operating zones are taken into account. The operating region of the units having prohibited zones is broken into isolated feasible sub‐regions, which results in multiple decision spaces for the DELD problem. This paper proposes an enhanced particle swarm optimization (EPSO) method to solve the DELD problem of units with valve‐point effects and prohibited operating zones. In the proposed EPSO method, feasibility‐based rules and heuristic search strategies with priority list based on probability are devised to handle complex constraints effectively. Furthermore, the effects of three crucial parameters on the performance of the EPSO for DELD problem are studied as well. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are demonstrated for three examples and the test results are compared with those of other methods reported in the literature. It is shown that the proposed method is capable of yielding higher‐quality solutions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.