EP Based PSO Method for Solving Multi Area Unit Commitment Problem with Import and Export Constraints

This paper presents a new approach to solve the multi area unit commitment problem (MAUCP) using an evolutionary programming based particle swarm optimization (EPPSO) method. The objective of this paper is to determine the optimal or near optimal commitment schedule for generating units located in multiple areas that are interconnected via tie lines. The evolutionary programming based particle swarm optimization method is used to solve multi area unit commitment problem, allocated generation for each area and find the operating cost of generation for each hour. Joint operation of generation resources can result in significant operational cost savings. Power transfer between the areas through the tie lines depends upon the operating cost of generation at each hour and tie line transfer limits. Case study of four areas with different load pattern each containing 7 units (NTPS) and 26 units connected via tie lines have been taken for analysis. Numerical results showed comparing the operating cost using evolutionary programming-based particle swarm optimization method with conventional dynamic programming (DP), evolutionary programming (EP), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) method. Experimental results show that the application of this evolutionary programming based particle swarm optimization method has the potential to solve multi area unit commitment problem with lesser computation time.