Optimization of short-term scheduling of power plant units in large-scale cogeneration systems

Due to the variety of degrees of freedom and the numerous constraints the optimal planning of unit commitment for large-scale cogeneration systems for the aim of minimizing the operating costs is a very complex task. Within the scope of this paper a method to solve this problem especially for large-scale cogeneration systems will be presented. To achieve this aim within an acceptable calculation time, a multi-stage optimization method has been developed, which is based upon the decomposition of the complex optimization problem in smaller subproblems. These subproblems are solved by methods which use the typical behaviour of cogeneration systems. Working and efficacy of the method are shown exemplarily by the electrical and thermal power supply of Berlin (West and East). Copyright (C) 2000 IFAC.