Optimal and economic operational strategies in electric power systems

We treat optimal and economic operation of deregulated electric power systems and related areas using advanced optimization, estimation, and computational intelligence techniques. We extend our earlier innovations using computational intelligence tools, by including swarm intelligent agents and enhanced neural and fuzzy technologies. We deal with a power system environment with competitive open transmission and possibly distribution access environment where many unexplored operational strategies exist. We research optimal mechanisms for pricing active and reactive power and ancillary services assigned to quality of power supply while respecting environmental and security constraints. We formulate and solve short-range optimal operational problems for systems with multiple ownerships of transmission, generation and distribution assets to allow power market participants to make well-founded decisions. We propose to enhance load and market clearing price (MCP) forecasting and optimal model parameter estimation capabilities for transmission and distribution systems to improve computational efficiencies along with improved accuracy. We deal with short and long term load and MCP forecasts. We also treat unresolved issues in cost and performance model estimation. We deal with distribution system aiming to reduce losses in primary feeder systems by optimal deployment of fixed capacitors and FACTs-based reactive devices. A non-explored area deals with the beneficial effects and impact of distributed and embedded generation assets on the conventional distribution system. This research will improve economic savings for power system participants, and enhance social welfare functions involving environmental impacts and continuity of service and quality of power. Canadian electric power industry is enjoying a resurgence of requirements for highly skilled personnel and this research will help in this direction.