Quantum particle swarm optimization for economic dispatch problem with valve-point effect

In this paper, a new particle swarm optimization (PSO) called Quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) is used for solving economic load dispatch (ELD) problem with valve-point effect. The new method is based on quantum mechanics rather than the classic mechanics assumed in all previous versions of PSO and has fewer parameters and stronger search capability than the classical particle swarm optimization (CPSO), as well as is easy to implement. The algorithm optimization performance is simulated by systems possessing 13, and 40 generating units. The simulation results verify that the new method can effectively solve ELD problem and provide the solutions comparable to or better than those generated by recently reported optimization algorithms.