A Cauchy-Gaussian Quantum-Behaved Bat Algorithm Applied to Solve the Economic Load Dispatch Problem

In this paper, a novel Cauchy-Gaussian quantum-behaved bat algorithm (CGQBA) is applied to solve the economic load dispatch (ELD) problem. The bat algorithm (BA) is an acknowledged metaheuristic optimization algorithm owing to its performance. However, the classical BA presents some weaknesses, such as premature convergence. To withstand the drawbacks of the BA, quantum mechanics theories and Gaussian and Cauchy operators are integrated into the standard BA to enhance its effectiveness. Since the economic load dispatch is a nonlinear, complex and constrained optimization problem, its main objective is to reduce the total generation cost while matching the equality and inequality constraints of the system. The validity of the CGQBA is tested on six standard benchmark functions with different characteristics. The numerical results indicate that the CGQBA is effective and superior to many other algorithms. Moreover, the CGQBA is applied to solve the ELD problems on various test systems including 3,6,20, 40,110 and 160 implemented generating units. The simulation results illustrate the strength of the CGQBA compared with other algorithms recently reported in the literature.