Enhancing load frequency control and automatic voltage regulation in Interconnected power systems using the Walrus optimization algorithm

This paper introduces the Walrus Optimization Algorithm (WaOA) to address load frequency control and automatic voltage regulation in a two-area interconnected power systems. The load frequency control and automatic voltage regulation are critical for maintaining power quality by ensuring stable frequency and voltage levels. The parameters of fractional order Proportional-Integral-Derivative (FO-PID) controller are optimized using WaOA, inspired by the social and foraging behaviors of walruses, which inhabit the arctic and sub-arctic regions. The proposed method demonstrates faster convergence in frequency and voltage regulation and improved tie-line power stabilization compared to recent optimization algorithms such as salp swarm, whale optimization, crayfish optimization, secretary bird optimization, hippopotamus optimization, brown bear optimization, teaching learning optimization, artificial gorilla troop optimization, and wild horse optimization. MATLAB simulations show that the WaOA-tuned FO-PID controller improves frequency regulation by approximately 25%, and exhibits a considerable faster settling time. Bode plot analyses confirm the stability with gain margins of 5.83 dB and 9.61 dB, and phase margins of 10.8 degrees and 28.6 degrees for the two areas respectively. The system modeling and validation in MATLAB showcases the superior performance and reliability of the WaOA-tuned FO-PID controller in enhancing power system stability and quality under step, random step load disturbance, with nonlinearities like GDC and GDB, and system parameter variations.