Load-frequency and voltage control for power quality enhancement in a SPV/Wind utility-tied system using GA & PSO optimization

Load Frequency Control (LFC) and Voltage Control (VC) are critical aspects of hybrid generation systems. In this work, the performance comparison of three different control approaches for LFC and VC: Genetics Algorithm (GA)-tuned Proportional Integral Differentiator (PID), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-PID, and a conventional PID controller is presented. Especially, the performance is assessed and analyzed for convergence speed and computational complexity for each approach. Mathematical framework for each approach is discussed, including the required equations for hybrid generation system. It is reported that the traditional PID controller exhibits fast convergence due to its direct adjustment of control parameters. Simulation results reveal that it requires manual tuning and has low computational complexity. In contrast, the GA-PID utilizes a GA optimization process which automatically tunes the PID gains. Although, it may require multiple generations to converge to the optimal solution, however, it offers better control performance. Moreso, it comes at the cost of higher computational complexity compared to the traditional PID controller. In contrast, the PSO-PID employs an algorithm for parameter optimization. It converges faster than the GA-PID but still requires more iterations than the traditional PID controller. Similar to the GA-PID, it has higher computational complexity due to fitness function evaluation and particle updates. The optimization results provide insights into the convergence speed and computational complexity trade-offs between the three control approaches. Practitioners in the field of hybrid energy systems can utilize the outcomes to make informed decisions based on their specific requirements and available computational resources.