Optimal power scheduling in real-time distribution systems using crow search algorithm for enhanced microgrid performance

Microgrids (MGs) have gained significant attention over the past two decades due to their advantages in service reliability, easy integration of renewable energy sources, high efficiency, and enhanced power quality. In India, low-voltage side customers face significant challenges in terms of power supply continuity and voltage regulation. This paper presents a novel approach for optimal power scheduling in a microgrid, aiming to provide uninterrupted power supply with improved voltage regulation (VR). To address these challenges, a crow search algorithm is developed for effective load scheduling within the distribution system. The proposed method minimizes the total operating cost (TOC) and maximizes VR under varying loading conditions and distributed generation (DG) configurations. A case study in Tamil Nadu, India, is conducted using a microgrid composed of three distributed generation sources (DGs), modeled and simulated using the Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) environment. The proposed approach is tested under three operational scenarios: grid-connected mode, islanded mode, and grid-connected mode with one DG outage. Results indicate that the crow search algorithm significantly optimizes load scheduling, leading to a substantial reduction in power loss and enhancement in voltage profiles across all scenarios. The islanded mode operation using the crow search algorithm demonstrates a remarkable reduction in TOC and maximizes voltage regulation compared to other modes. The main contributions of this work include: (1) developing a new meta-heuristic approach for power scheduling in microgrids using the crow search algorithm, (2) achieving optimal power flow and load scheduling to minimize TOC and improve VR, and (3) successfully implementing the proposed methodology in a real-time distribution system using ETAP. The findings showcase the effectiveness of the crow search algorithm in microgrid power management and its potential for application in other real-time power distribution systems.