Genetic algorithms in power engineering problems

In this study the genetic algorithms were applied to some problems of electric power systems optimization and control. The carried out investigations show that considered approach is rather powerful computational procedure. It is demonstrated that these evolutionary-based algorithms have the advantages over the traditional methods in problems with discrete variables (transmission network expansion) and in problems in which the optimization criterion is not continuous and differentiable (economic load dispatch). In other cases the genetic algorithm can be recommended as alternative method (optimal reactive power planning) or as a part of combined approach.