A Novel Hybrid Grey Wolf Optimizer and Simulated Annealing Approach for Solving Optimal Reactive Power Flow in Renewable-Integrated Distribution Networks

Abstract

This study offers a hybrid Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO)-Simulated Annealing (SA) method for optimal reactive power flow (ORPF) problems in distribution networks with high renewable energy penetration. The ORPF problem minimizes power losses while ensuring voltage stability and security.  GWO-SA improves convergence and solution quality by combining GWO's global exploration with SA's local exploitation.  We evaluated the algorithm with solar and wind production. Results demonstrate that the hybrid GWO-SA outperforms standalone GWO, SA, and other established metaheuristic techniques, achieving lower power losses and better voltage profiles. Sensitivity analysis reveals the algorithm's robustness under various renewable penetration levels and loading conditions. This novel hybrid approach provides system operators with an effective tool for reactive power optimization in modern distribution networks with significant renewable energy integration.