In this paper, a novel improved gravitational search algorithm–binary particle swarm optimization (IGSA-BPSO) driven proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is proposed to deal with issues of automatic generation control (AGC) of interconnected multi-source (thermal-hydro-gas) multi-area deregulated power systems. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controller is compared and analyzed with GSA and PSO-driven PID controllers. The simulated and mathematically formulated results show the superiority of the proposed IGSA-BPSO driven PID controller compared with the other two techniques in settling time, overshoot, and convergence time. The two-area test system considered in this article is integrated with a thermal, hydro, and gas turbine power plant. Integral time multiplied by absolute error (ITAE) is used as the objective function (minimization) by optimization techniques for getting optimum parameters of PID controllers installed in each area. The system’s dynamics are examined using poolco, bilateral, and contract violation cases under a deregulated environment, and the comparative results are shown to analyze the efficacy of the proposed concept. Physical constraints such as generation rate constraints (GRC) and time-delay (TD) have been considered in the system as a realistic approach. This paper considers an accurate AC-DC tie-link model for the proposed AGC mechanism. Dynamic load change condition is tested and verified. The variations of different parameters will be used in the robustness analysis of the proposed system. The comparison shows that the designed controllers are more robust and produce better results than those considered as references.

Background: An investigation of Automatic Generation Control (AGC) for a two-area, multi-source, interconnected power system under deregulation is presented in this article. For a more realistic approach, physical constraints namely Generation Rate Constraints (GRC) and Time Delay (TD) are incorporated into the system. Objective: This article proposed a novel hybrid Improved Gravitational Search Algorithm – Binary Particle Search Optimization (IGSA-BPSO) optimized Fractional Order Proportional-Integral- Derivative (FOPID) controller to regulate the frequency of a multi-area multi-source (thermalhydro- gas) interconnected power system in a deregulated environment. Methods: Integral Time Multiplied by Absolute Error (ITAE) is used as the objective function to be minimized by optimization techniques for getting optimum parameters of FOPID controllers installed in each area. Results: To inspect the efficacy of the suggested method, the dynamics of the system are investigated for poolco, bilateral and contract violation cases and the comparative results are also presented and analyzed. The supremacy of the recommended technique is studied by comparing with other well-known techniques namely GSA and PSO. Conclusion: The robustness of the proposed system is examined by sensitivity analysis after variations in different system parameters. In this paper, the AC-DC tie-line model is incorporated for the AGC mechanism. Dynamic load changes condition is also tested and verified. The study found that the proposed controller provides improved system dynamics in all competitive electricity market contract situations under varied system uncertainties.

This paper presents optimal tuning of the Proportional Integral and Derivative (PID) controller for maintaining frequency and tie-line power in a two-area hybrid power system. Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) has been used to determine the parameters of proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller considering the integral time multiple absolute error (ITAE) as the objective function. Hybrid power system comprised of various power plants such as wind power plant, PV system, Diesel Engine Generator (DEG), and Energy Storage System (ESS). The outcomes of the system are depicted in provisions of settling time and overshoots. Further, the compatibility and robustness of the designed system is proved with various operational shifts in the system.