This paper presents a new approach for solving the Optimal Power Flow problem. In this approach the bounded constraints are treated by the logarithmic barrier method. An augmented Lagrangian function is associated to the modified problem. The first order necessary conditions are applied and a nonlinear system is produced. This system is solved by Newton's method. The Lagrange multipliers of the inequality constraints are updated by the rule proposed by Hestenes. The numerical results indicate that the approach proposed is efficient for solving the Optimal Power Flow problem.
augmented Lagrangian function; barrier method; Newton's method; optimal power flow