Operational Planning and Scheduling

Abstract

In the optimal power flow (OPF) problem the optimization process is static. The cost of production is an instantaneous function of demands. Since the load varies on a continuous basis with fairly predictable patterns, optimization over certain time ranges becomes necessary for some time-dependent functions. For the purposes of this chapter the focus will be on the unit commitment (UC) and hydrothermal coordination (HTC) problems. In both of these one is concerned with minimizing the cost of production over a specified time horizon (e.g., several days). This requires three basic tools: (a) an efficient dynamic optimization technique, (b) a good load forecast and (c) the ability to adjust for forecasting errors. In this chapter one deals with the first tool in its applications to the UC and HTC problems. Forecasting is dealt with later in this book. Adjustments for forecasting errors belongs to the domain of stochastic (or adaptic) control and is beyond the scope of this book.