Parameter optimization of multimachine power system stabilizers using genetic local search

A genetic local search (GLS) algorithm for optimal design of multimachine power system stabilizers (PSSs) is presented in this paper. The proposed approach hybridizes the genetic algorithm (GA) with a heuristic local search in order to combine their strengths and overcome their shortcomings. The potential of the proposed approach for optimal parameter settings of the widely used conventional lead–lag PSSs has been investigated. Unlike the conventional optimization techniques, the proposed approach is robust to the initial guess. The performance of the proposed GLS-based PSS (GLSPSS) under different disturbances, loading conditions, and system configurations is investigated for different multimachine power systems. Eigenvalue analysis and simulation results show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed GLSPSS to damp out local as well as interarea modes of oscillations and work effectively over a wide range of loading conditions and system configurations.