Enhanced BBO technique used to solving EED problems in electrical power systems

This paper proposes an improved biogeography-based optimization (BBO) algorithm to effectively solve the economic and environmental dispatch (EED) problem in power systems. The EED problem is a crucial optimization challenge in power system operations, which aims to balance the minimization of operating costs and environmental impacts. Various metaheuristic algorithms have been explored in the literature to address this problem, including the original BBO algorithm. However, the complex constraints and non-linearities associated with the EED problem, such as ramp-rate limits (RRLs), prohibited operating Zones (POZs), and valve point loading effects (VPLEs), pose significant challenges for the original BBO approach. The EED problem is subject to a range of practical constraints that significantly impact the optimal dispatch solution. Addressing these constraints accurately and efficiently is essential for realistic power system optimization. In this work, we present an enhanced BBO algorithm that incorporates several innovative features to improve its performance and overcome the limitations of the original approach. The key enhancement is the incorporation of the Cauchy distribution as the mutation operator, which helps the algorithm to better explore the search space and escape local optima. Comprehensive experiments were conducted on standard 10-bus and 40-bus test systems to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The results demonstrate that the improved BBO algorithm outperforms other state-of-the-art optimization techniques in terms of convergence speed, solution quality, and robustness. Specifically, the enhanced BBO algorithm achieved a 12% reduction in operating costs and a 15% decrease in emissions compared to the original BBO method. The proposed improved BBO algorithm provides a promising solution for effectively addressing the EED problem in power systems, considering the practical constraints and non-linearities that are commonly encountered in real-world scenarios.