Application of oriented search algorithm in reactive power optimization of power system

A novel algorithm, called oriented search algorithm (OSA), is proposed to deal with reactive power optimization problem in the paper. The optimization objective is to minimize the active power losses while maintaining acceptable voltage profiles. In OSA, the search-individual simulates human behavior, and the search-object (i.e., the optimal solution of the objective functions) works like an intelligent agent that can transmit oriented information to search-individuals. In contrast to comprehensive learning particle swarm optimizer (CLPSO), the reactive power optimization results of IEEE-30 node system by OSA show that OSA has better convergence property, convergence precision and strong ability to escape from the local sub-optima. Moreover, the active power losses are decreased obviously.