A hybrid optimization algorithm based on cascaded (1 + PI)-PI-PID controller for load frequency control in interconnected power systems

• A novel cascaded (1+PI)-PI-PID controller optimized by IABC-PSO for improving the LFC • Focuses on a two-area power system with hydro, thermal power plants, and CES device • The algorithm's performance is assessed using four benchmark functions • The proposed controller outperforms traditional methods with minimal ITAE values • Lyapunov method analysis shows that the controller has robust internal stability Electric power generation is crucial for electrical systems, and load frequency control (LFC) ensures system synchronization and reliability. Modern systems use well-designed controllers, with selecting the right type and design approach being essential for a good LFC controller design. This study introduces a cascaded (1+PI)-PI-PID controller optimized using the improved Artificial Bee Colony-Particle Swarm Optimization (IABC-PSO) algorithm for LFC in interconnected power systems, aiming to address complex challenges associated with LFC in modern power systems. The research examines a two-area power system model with hydro and thermal power plants and a capacitive energy storage (CES) device. It proposes a (1+PI)-PI-PID controller structure that integrates traditional PID controllers, enhancing performance and debugging capabilities. The study uses integral absolute error (IAE), integral square error (ISE), integral time absolute error (ITAE), and integral time square error (ITSE) as objective functions. The IABC-PSO algorithm introduces a novel decision block to increase scout bee (SB) occurrences to 10% for each employed bee (EB), and a new control search phase to optimize SBs' exploration capabilities in a controlled manner, enhancing their efficiency. The algorithm's performance was assessed using four benchmark functions, revealing superior results compared to the Hybrid ABC-PSO algorithm. The study examined six experimental configurations of the controller, varying the sequence of (1+PI), PI, and PID components. The proposed strategy was tested under 1% and 5% step load perturbations in area-1 and area-2 to evaluate dynamic performance. This study conducts a sensitivity analysis by adjusting hydro parameters within a ±25% range, and considers generation rate constraint (GRC) and boiler dynamics (BD) in a two-area reheat thermal-hydro-power system model for reliability and credibility. The proposed IABC-PSO algorithm outperforms traditional methods (ABC, PSO, and hybrid ABC-PSO, WOAw, GWO, hSFS-LUS, and FA) in optimizing parameters, achieving shortest settling times and minimal ITAE values. Its performance is evaluated under random step load perturbations (SLP) and its internal robustness is demonstrated through stability analysis using the Lyapunov method. In conclusion, the hybrid IABC-PSO algorithm-based cascaded (1+PI)-PI-PID controller offers a robust and efficient solution for LFC in interconnected power systems. It ensures enhanced performance, stability, and adaptability, making it a valuable contribution to modern power system management.