NSGA-II Technique for Multi-objective Generation Dispatch of Thermal Generators with Nonsmooth Fuel Cost Functions

Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is applied for solving Combined Economic Emission Dispatch (CEED) problem with valve-point loading of thermal generators. This CEED problem with valve-point loading is a nonlinear, constrained multi-objective optimization problem, with power balance and generator capacity constraints. The valve-point loading introduce ripples in the input-output characteristics of generating units and make the CEED problem as a nonsmooth optimization problem. To validate its effectiveness of NSGA-II, two benchmark test systems, IEEE 30-bus and IEEE 118-bus systems are considered. To compare the Pareto-front obtained using NSGA-II, reference Pareto-front is generated using multiple runs of Real Coded Genetic Algorithm (RCGA) with weighted sum of objectives. Comparison with other optimization techniques showed the superiority of the NSGA-II approach and confirmed its potential for solving the CEED problem. Numerical results show that NSGA-II algorithm can provide Pareto-front in a single run with good diversity and convergence. An approach based on Technique for Ordering Preferences by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is applied on non-dominated solutions obtained to determine Best Compromise Solution (BCS).