Differential Evolution Algorithm Based Hyperparameter Selection of Gated Recurrent Unit for Electrical Load Forecasting

Accurate load forecasting remains a formidable challenge in numerous sectors, given the intricate dynamics of dynamic power systems, which often defy conventional statistical models. As a response, time-series methodologies like ARIMA and sophisticated deep learning techniques such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks have demonstrated their mettle by achieving enhanced predictive performance. In our investigation, we delve into the efficacy of the relatively recent Gated Recurrent Network (GRU) model within the context of load forecasting. GRU models are garnering attention due to their inherent capacity to adeptly capture and model temporal dependencies within data streams. Our methodology entails harnessing the power of Differential Evolution, a versatile optimization technique renowned for its prowess in delivering scalable, robust, and globally optimal solutions, especially in scenarios involving non-differentiable, multi-objective, or constrained optimization challenges. Through rigorous analysis, we undertake a comparative assessment of the proposed Gated Recurrent Network model, collaboratively fused with various metaheuristic algorithms, evaluating their performance by leveraging established numerical benchmarks such as Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). Our empirical investigations are conducted using power load data originating from the Ontario province, Canada. Our research findings cast a spotlight on the remarkable potential of metaheuristic-augmented Gated Recurrent Network models in substantially augmenting load forecasting precision, offering tailored, optimal hyperparameter configurations uniquely suited to each model's performance characteristics.