A new approach for optimal reactive power flow solution of multi-terminal HVDC systems using genetic algorithm

Optimal reactive power flow (ORPF) is one of the known problems of the power systems. Many numerical and heuristic methods were used to solve this problem so far. As seen from these studies in literature, heuristic methods are more effective and faster than numerical methods. This case is to make more attractive and mandatory the using of heuristic methods in optimal power flow solution of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems. In this study, ORPF solution of multi-terminal HVDC systems is accomplished by using the genetic algorithm (GA) that is one of the heuristic methods. A new approach is used in opposition to the current-balancing method used mostly in literature for the first time. The proposed approach is tested on the modified IEEE 14-bus test system. The obtained results are compared to that reported in the literature to show validity and effectiveness of the new approach.