Natural aggregation algorithm: A new efficient metaheuristic tool for power system optimizations

With the increasing complexity of power systems in operation and planning, many engineering problems require a robust and efficient optimization solver which can handle non-convexity, discontinuity, and nonlinearity. We propose a new metaheuristic optimization algorithm - the natural aggregation algorithm (NAA) for power system optimization applications. NAA has very strong search capability and robustness compared with other algorithms. Economic dispatch and wind farm dispatch examples are given to illustration its superior performance. The demonstrated applications show that NAA is a promising tool for power system optimization problems.