A genetic algorithm approach to solve economic load dispatch problem in power system

Dynamic Economic Dispatch, one of the main functions of power generation operation and control is an extension of conventional economic dispatch problem. The objective of operating electric power plants is to have high operating efficiency. Tangible improvements can be achieved by formulating rigorous constraints and applying robust optimization techniques. This paper discusses how such improvements can be achieved for the dynamic economic dispatch problem using genetic algorithms. The advantage of the genetic algorithm lies in its ability to handle any type of unit characteristic data, whether smooth or not. The usefulness of the algorithm is demonstrated through its application to a three unit test system with non-smooth fuel cost function. The main economic factor is cost of generating real power. Therefore focus of this paper on allocation of real power at generator bus This problem can be partitioned into two sub-problems, i.e. optimum allocation (commitment) of generators (units) of each generating stations at various station load levels and optimum allocation of generation at each station for various system load levels The first problem in power system is called 'Unit commitment '(UC) and second is called 'Load Scheduling' (LS) problem