Abstract
This paper presents a new hybrid algorithm of Harris hawks' optimization with sequential quadratic programming (HHO-SQP) for optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays to find optimal relays settings. The SQP procedure is employed in the hybrid algorism as a local search mechanism to enhance the performance of the original HHO method. The optimization problem is described based on a developed objective function as a non-linear and highly constrained optimization problem to minimize the total operating time for primary relays at the same time of maximizing the backup relays operating time. The developed objective function is subject to some constraints related to the coordination process including the absence of any miss coordination between primary and backup relays. The performance of the proposed algorithm based on the new objective function is implemented for two different test systems. The results of the proposed algorithm is compared with those obtained from other recent meta-heuristic techniques. The results show that the new hybrid algorithm outperforms the recently published meta-heuristic algorithms. (C) 2020 THE AUTHORS. Published by Elsevier BV on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University.