The scheduling of tasks in a production line is a complex problem that needs to take into account several constraints, such as product deadlines and machine limitations. With innovative focus, the main constraint that will be addressed in this paper, and that usually is not considered, is the energy consumption cost in the production line. For that, an approach based on genetic algorithms is proposed and implemented. The use of local energy generation, especially from renewable sources, and the possibility of having multiple energy providers allow the user to manage its consumption according to energy prices and energy availability. The proposed solution takes into account the energy availability of renewable sources and energy prices to optimize the scheduling of a production line using a genetic algorithm with multiple constraints. The proposed algorithm also enables a production line to participate in demand response events by shifting its production, by using the flexibility of production lines. A case study using real production data that represents a textile industry is presented, where the tasks for six days are scheduled. During the week, a demand response event is launched, and the proposed algorithm shifts the consumption by changing task orders and machine usage.

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The residential sector electricity demand has been increasing over the years, leading to an increasing effort of the power network components, namely during the peak demand periods. This demand increasing together with the increasing levels of renewable-based energy generation and the need to ensure the electricity service quality, namely in terms of the voltage profile, is challenging the distribution network operation. Demand response can play an important role in facing these challenges, bringing several benefits, both for the network operation and for the consumer (e.g., increase network components lifetime and consumers bill reduction). The present research work proposes a genetic algorithm-based model to use the consumers' load flexibility with demand response event participation. The proposed method optimally shifts residential loads to enable the consumers' participation in demand response while respecting consumers' preferences and constraints. A realistic low voltage distribution network with 236 buses is used to illustrate the application of the proposed model. The results show considerable energy cost savings for consumers and an improvement in voltage profile.