The Calculation of the Optimal Placement of Reactive Power Sources in Industrial Enterprises with the Use of Genetic Algorithms

By Tursyn S.K, , Kelbass, S. V.

Abstract. The problems of reactive power compensation in EPS and PSS. Calculations of power of the RPS and the optimal location point by means of the use of the methods of genetic algorithms in optimization of choice of the RPS.

Keywords: Reactive power compensation, genetic algorithms, optimal selection, industry.

The total power transmitted from the power generators to the electrical load is transmitted from the active component and inactive components of the power, which may include reactive power and distortion power and unbalance. Inactive power components adversely affect the modes of operation of the electrical network and power quality. In particular, additional reactive current loads lines and transformers, affects voltage levels of the consumer, and also increases the losses of active and reactive power. Useful work is only performed by the active component of the total power. Reactive power as well as distortion and unbalance power do not perform useful work, and therefore should be excluded. In order to compensate the reactive power various types of reactive power sources are used (RPS).

The results listed in [1] show that the installation of the RPS at around 0,4 kV line current value decreases and allows to increase the transmission of active power by 21 %, when setting the RPS at around 10 kV line current value decreases and allows to increase the transfer of active power by 8 %. Thus, reactive power compensation is needed at all levels of stress.

The problem of reactive power compensation in electric power systems (EPS), and in power supply systems (PSS) is generally multi-dimensional and multi-modal, complex in terms of algorithmic problem. There is no any universal method that would allow finding a solution which is sufficiently close to the optimum to solve the problem in a short period of time. In this regard, it is necessary to find an approach that would answer in a better degree the requirements for the solution of such problems and would take into account their discretion. One solution could be the use of genetic algorithms to determine the optimal placement points and deciding on the RPS.

The genetic algorithm is precisely such a fairly universal method for the determination of some combination of the optimum. The mechanisms of crossover and mutation, on the one hand, in a sense, reflect the essence of linear search method that can be used for any problems with the combinatorial nature. On the other hand, the gradient method replaces the generation of the best alternatives and solutions, which in aggregate provides a sufficiently high and stable performance of the algorithm and guaranteed effective genetic search for all types of modern optimization problems.

Various modifications of genetic algorithms have found quite a lot of different applications for the solution of many scientific and engineering problems. The use of modern intelligent technology enables to realize very powerful, effective and practicable optimization algorithms, and genetic algorithms can be fully assigned to them.

An essential feature of this approach is to use genetic algorithms in combination with classical techniques. One of the examples is the optimization of electric power systems (EPS) and power supply systems (PSS). Optimal planning regimes of reactive power is to determine the location and capacity of compensating devices, their installation provides a minimal cost, if some regime restrictions will be set for the operational parameters. The solution of the problem should provide the maximum economic effect, subject to technical conditions to ensure normal operation of electrical networks and industrial systems, as well as all electric appliances. In some cases, it is advisable to consider separately the design statement of the problem, when we consider the optimal location and capacity of the RPS and operational — to select the optimal value of the RPS on the condition of minimizing the total active power losses.

Briefly, nature and mechanism of operation can be represented in two ways:

1. Calling a function of genetic algorithms;

2. Using a complex Genetic Algorithm Tool.

Both methods, including a standard set of functions and modules are presented in the environment of Matlab.

The authors have chosen the software environment among Delphi, since it represents a great opportunity for the implementation of genetic algorithms, has a simple interface and provides better visualization.

The calculation algorithm includes several separate procedures:

— Formation of a network configuration;

— Randomly generated power compensating device from 0 to a maximum reactive power unit, which will be installed at the RPS, as there is no need to put more power than the power consumption of the node.

Then you have to calculate the reactive power factor, established by the Power Supply Company, at the boundary.

If the condition is satisfied, then the solution found is the best, if not, the solution proceeds to the next step. At this point, the genetic algorithms operators are applied.

The proposed by the genetic algorithm optimization of RPS is formed as follows:

1. Formation of the initial population by randomly generating a range of acceptable values. A chromosome consists of making real variables of the reactive power of RPS, and placements.

2. The life cycle of a population is realized in the form of sets of genetic operators:

— Select the parental couple of sets of chromosomes by using the “event”;

— Crossing the selected chromosomes to produce new solutions with a probability of Pcr and two-point crossover;

— A random mutation of the gene of each chromosome with a certain probability;

— Calculation of the objective functions for a new population of chromosomes and chromosome screening with a minimum value of the objective function.

3. Checking the conditions of the end of the cycle, as the maximum amount of generations. Under the condition, namely the reduction in the rate of reactive power to the required level, the algorithm is complete, otherwise return to step 2.

The block diagram is shown in Figure 1.

The main feature of the algorithm is its novelty and the use in each step of a new generation of mutations calculating steady state and computation on the basis of its operating parameters and target functions.

Calculations were made for one of the workshops of “Angarsk Electrolysis Chemical Complex” (AECC). The problem of reactive power compensation is still relevant at the AECC, since the cost of electricity is 10 % of production costs.

The calculations made for industrial enterprises were compared with the calculations using the method of Lagrange.

The comparative analysis has shown that to achieve the desired ratio of reactive power by the method of Lagrange 1594 kVar to be installed in five sites of power supply system, and with the help of genetic algorithm the same goal is achieved by setting 1330 kVar. The savings makes 264 kVar, i.e. 16 %.

In addition, the comparative analysis shows that this algorithm ensures minimum reactive power compensation required for compliance with the Power Grid Company. In this case, due to the algorithm as much reactive power is compensated as needed to comply with the contract, and not much more, as in the simplified calculation. Along with this, an analysis of the performance of algorithms indicates that with the increasing amounts of resource nodes spending time in the conventional method of nonlinear programming increases significantly faster than the method using a genetic algorithm.

In summary, the effectiveness of applying genetic algorithm in the optimal placement of the RPS in EPS and PSS are proved by the following provisions:

— Universal approach, which allows you to determine quickly the exact solution of complex problems with multi-dimensional and multi-modal nature;

— The lack of requirements for continuity, differentiability of flow characteristics of power plants;

— Genetic algorithm realizes quite simple but at the same time very effective scheme of calculations.

References

1.    B.Kochkin Reactive power in electric networks. Technology-driven compensation // Electrical Engineering News, number 4 (64), 2010.

2.    Order of the Russian Federation Ministry of Industry number 49 dated 22.02.07 “On calculation on the ratio of values of active and reactive power for the individual power receivers (groups of power receivers) consumers of electricity used for determining the obligations of the parties to the agreements on the provision of services for the transmission of electrical energy (electricity contracts)”.

3.    V. Z. Manusov and D. A. Pavlyuchenko Application of hybrid genetic algorithm for the optimal allocation of reactive power // Power: Proceedings, Novosibirsk, Publishing House of Novosibirsk State Technical University 2000, pages 23–30.