Otimização por colônia de formigas aplicada na solução do problema da operação de sistemas hidrotérmicos.

Abstract

This work presents the application of constructive metaheuristics based on the behaviour of ant colonies (Ant Colony Optimization - ACO) in the development of an optimization algo- rithm applied in the solution of a hydrothermal power system's operation problem (composed mainly by hydroelectric and thermoelectric power plants). Initially, and as an example, a simpli ed system with only one hydroelectric power plant and one thermoelectric power plant in a ve-year horizon on a monthly basis was sought to solve. The results achieved are very consistent and satisfactory compared to results obtained from the application of techniques based on Dynamic Programming and Power Flow Network. It was also simulated and analyzed the integration of wind power generation along with its seasonal behaviour. This method can be expanded to a larger set of power plants with di erent primary sources. this way, the ACO is shown as a promisor and possible tool to help the expansion planning of electric power sector considering the associated characteristics of each of the various primary sources of electric energy.