Optimal Power Dispatch of Dispersed Sources in Direct-Current Networks with Nonlinear Loads

Abstract

The problem of the optimal power dispatch of dispersed generators in direct-current networks under the presence of nonlinear loads (constant power terminals) is addressed through a combinatorial optimization strategy by using a master-slave solution methodology. The optimal power generation in the dispersed is solved in the master optimization stage through the application of the vortex-search algorithm. Each combination of the power outputs at the dispersed generation sources is provided to a power flow methodology known as the hyperbolic power flow approach for direct current networks. The main advantage of the proposed optimization method corresponds to the possibility of solving a complex nonlinear programming problem via sequential quadratic programming, which can be easily implemented at any programming language with low computational effort and high-quality results. The computational tests of the master-slave optimization proposal are evaluated in a 21-bus system, and the numerical results are compared with the implementation of the exact nonlinear programming model in the General Algebraic Modeling System (i.e., GAMS). All the computational results are conducted through the MATLAB programming environment licensed by Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira for academic usage