Integrated GA-fuzzy multi-objective model for centralized Volt/Var control in distribution systems

This article presents a fuzzy multi-objective optimization model (FMOOM) for Volt/Var control within the frame of distribution management system (DMS) functions. Optimal control actions are of centralized character for the whole distribution system, based on historical operation database and available decentralized set of real-time measurements. Within the set of optimization goals/constraints, real power losses, overall voltage quality index and power factor are considered, with the possibility for the inclusion of other factors, without losing features of the FMOOM and calculation speed. To achieve an optimal defuzzified Volt/Var control solution with flexible input data, the robust technique of genetic algorithm (GA), is used. The application possibility of GA for the solution of real-time problems (like Volt/Var control) is explored. The aim is to give clear recommendations to decision-makers in view of setting GA control parameters that should ensure good quality of the near global optimal solution. The effectiveness of the proposed integrated GA-FMOOM for Volt/Var control, applied to various operation conditions, is verified on the example of a real radial distribution system from the Electric Power Industry of Serbia.