Optimization of Transmission Lines Path between Floating Nuclear Reactor and Substation using Particle Swarm Optimization: Preliminary Studies

Abstract

The floating reactor is one type of small modular reactors that could be deployed in remote areas around the world. As in any power generation stations, the transmission lines would be needed to distribute electricity from the power plant to the customers. For the particular case of floating reactors, the target area for deployment of a reactor might not be well developed. This means that the utility could not just tap into an existing grid. Therefore, the path for lying down the transmission lines should be carefully selected to not only minimize the costs of electricity distribution but also to minimize the impact on the environment. This challenge could be translated into an optimization problem. The objective of such an optimization problem is to distribute electricity efficiently and economically to the customers while trying to satisfy various constraints. The problem becomes more challenging as additional constraints are included; however, at the same time it makes the problem more realistic. A preliminary study using stylized cases has been performed to evaluate the possibility of utilizing the particle swarm optimization technique to solve this problem.