Economic emission dispatch using an advanced particle swarm optimization technique

Purpose - This study aims to present a novel optimization technique to solve the combined economic emission dispatch (CEED) problem considering transmission losses, valve-point loading effects, ramp rate limits and prohibited operating zones. This is one of the most complex optimization problems concerning power systems. Design/methodology/approach - The proposed algorithm has been called advanced particle swarm optimization (APSO) and was created by applying several innovative modifications to the classic PSO algorithm. APSO performance was tested on four test systems having 14, 40, 54 and 120 generators. Findings - The suggested modifications have improved the accuracy, convergence rate, robustness and effectiveness of the algorithm, which has produced high-quality solutions for the CEED problem. Originality/value - The results obtained by APSO were compared with those of several other techniques, and the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm was demonstrated. Also, because of its superlative characteristics, APSO can be applied to many other engineering optimization problems. Moreover, the suggested modifications can be easily used in other population-based optimization algorithms to improve their performance.