Harris Hawks Optimized Regulated Frequency in Thermal-Hydro-Solar Integrated Power System

Preserving the steadiness of frequency is critical for the reliable operation of modern power systems. Frequency regulation ensures system balance by dynamically adjusting power generation to changes in load. This study investigates a two-area frequency regulation system incorporating thermal, hydro, and solar power plants to enhance system stability and efficiency. The thermal power plant ensures a steady power supply but exhibits slower dynamic response due to inherent governor and turbine delays. The hydro plant, a renewable energy source with moderate response time, is affected by water start-up delays. Solar power, despite its intermittency, reduces carbon emissions and contributes to a cleaner energy mix. Integrating these diverse sources in a multi-area system requires an intelligent control strategy to mitigate frequency deviations and maintain balanced power exchange. A mathematical model of the two-area frequency regulation system is developed, incorporating the detailed dynamics of each power source. The governor-turbine models of thermal and hydro plants are integrated with the solar generation system. To optimize the system, advanced metaheuristic algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) are employed to fine-tune the Proportional-IntegralDerivative (PID) controller parameters for improved frequency stability. MATLAB Simulink simulations validate the proposed approach, demonstrating superior frequency regulation, reduced settling time, and minimized deviations under varying load conditions. The findings indicate that hybrid integration of thermal, hydro, and solar energy enhances system resilience against load variations and renewable energy fluctuations. This study underscores the significance of multi-source coordination in modern power grids and provides a foundation for future advancements in renewable-integrated frequency regulation systems.