New approach of using evolutionary programming to reactive power planning with network contingencies

This paper proposes the use of evolutionary programming (EP) to reactive power planning (RPP). Several techniques have been developed to make EP practicable to solve a real power system problem and other practical problems. The proposed approach is described in detail for the IEEE‐30‐bus system. Simulation results, compared with those obtained by using a conventional gradient‐based optimization method, Broyden 's method, are presented to show that the present method is better for power system planning even under network contingencies. In the case of optimization of non‐continuous and non‐smooth function, EP is much better than non‐linear programming. The comprehensive simulation results show a great potential for applications ofEP in power system economical and secure operation, planning and reliability assessment.