Application of Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm to Optimal Economic Load Dispatch: A Case Study of the Western Libyan Power System

Abstract

Economic Load Dispatch (ELD) is a fundamental optimization problem in power system operation that aims to minimize the total fuel cost of electricity generation while satisfying system constraints such as power balance and generator operating limits. Due to the nonlinear and nonconvex nature of practical power systems, classical optimization techniques often fail to provide optimal and reliable solutions. In this paper, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied to solve the optimal economic load dispatch problem of the Western Libyan Power System. The proposed approach models generator fuel cost functions as quadratic equations and incorporates essential operational constraints. Several simulation scenarios with different load levels are investigated to evaluate the performance of the PSO algorithm. The results demonstrate that PSO effectively achieves minimum fuel cost while maintaining system constraints, showing fast convergence and robust performance. The study confirms that PSO is a suitable and efficient metaheuristic technique for solving complex economic load dispatch problems in real power systems, particularly under realistic operating conditions of the Libyan power grid