Optimization of reactive power allocation based on box algorithm

The Box algorithm is an important direct searching method for optimal engineering design, which is applicable to resolve optimization when the object function can't be given explicitly. The allocations of reactive sources and the control of reactive facilities create a non-linear discrete VAR optimization problem and the object is an inexplicit function of the control variables. So a VAR allocation optimization based on Box algorithm is presented. Techniques for improving convergence are also discussed such as penalty functions dealing with function constrains, repeat iteration and Bays-Durham shuffle based combination generating random number. The IEEE 6, 14, 30 node systems and other power systems are utilized to demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach. Computational test proves the approach can be applied to real large-scale systems.