Reactive power optimization by genetic algorithm

This paper presents a new approach to optimal reactive power planning based on a genetic algorithm. Many outstanding methods to this problem have been proposed in the past. However, most of these approaches have the common defect of being caught to a local minimum solution. The integer problem which yields integer value solutions for discrete controllers/banks still remain as a difficult one. The genetic algorithm is a kind of search algorithm based on the use of natural selection and genetics. This can search for a global solution using a multiple path and treat the integer problem naturally. The proposed method was applied to practical 51-bus and 224-bus systems to show its feasibility and capabilities. Although this method is not as fast as sophisticated traditional methods, the concept is quite promising and useful