A hybrid genetic algorithm for optimal reactive power planning based upon successive linear programming

A hybrid methodology is presented for the solution of the problem of the op timal allocation of reactive power sources, The technique is based upon a m odified genetic algorithm (G.A.) which is applied at an upper level stage, and a successive linear program at a lower level stage. The objective is th e minimization of the total cost associated to the installation of the new sources. The genetic algorithm is devoted to defining the location of the n ew reactive power sources, and therefore to handle the combinatorial nature of the fixed costs problem, At the lower level, the variable cost problem is solved by, calculating the magnitude of the source, to be installed at t he previously determined locations by mesas of a linear program iterated su ccessively with a fast decoupled load flow. Results are presented for the a pplication of the proposed methodology when applied to the Venezuelan elect ric network.