Automatic Generation Control of a Multi-Area Power System Based on Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm

Abstract

This paper presents an automatic generation control algorithm applicable for a multi-area power system. A more practical models is used to represent the main components of the power system. The frequency bias factor (B) is set optimally by using an artificial intelligence technique. The generation rate constraints (GRC) are taken into consideration with dead band characteristics of the governor. For the first time, a sequential optimization of the fractional order (PID) control parameters, the governor speed regulation (R) and the frequency bias factor (B) is proposed. The objective function to be minimized is the updated integral time absolute error (UITAE). The tuning of the control parameters is dependent on minimizing the objective function by using the Grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm. The proposed algorithm is tested on an interconnected three power pools different system (Reheat, Gas and Hydro) with varying degrees of load step change. The simulation results of the presented process are compared to those achieved by using the particle swarm optimization method. The results obtained reveal the robustness of the proposed algorithm in terms of settling time and peak overshoot.