A distributed optimal power flow approach based on the decomposition of generation characteristics

We analyze an optimal power flow problem in the case of a scenario where the generators, even assuming continuous operation, do have non-monotone marginal production cost profile. We decompose the operating range of generators into intervals corresponding to operation modes. We show that if in each such interval the production characteristics is approximated by a linear function, a two level optimization procedure is capable of efficient decoupling of the multi-period optimal power flow problem. We do take into account reserves as well, and define the framework in order to provide ergonomic interface for operators in the case of intervention needed.