Optimization of power system controls within a simulation software package

This paper presents an optimization tool implemented in a power system simu lation software package. The motivation is to provide a flexible and effici ent way for the optimization and coordination of power system controls. The most attractive features of this tool are (1) free formulation of an objec tive function and all related constraints using the block-oriented simulati on language, (2) performance of various optimizations without modifications to the source program, and (3) optimization of controls at non-linear syst em conditions. Three improved optimization algorithms were implemented and have been shown to be efficient and robust in practical applications. Appli cations of the tool for the optimization and coordination of controllers in power systems are demonstrated. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.