This paper attempts to provide an optimum loading schedule of power generating units with the least cost by solving a unit commitment (UC) problem and to present good estimates of cost differences when UC problem is not applied. UC is a fundamental optimization problem of power generation systems which determines the optimum schedule of generating units which minimizes generation costs. However, for small power generation firms which are situated in developing countries, UC-based problems are poorly understood if not implemented and the scheduling of generating units is based on some methodologies which may provide results that are not optimal. Thus, a case study in a small power generation firm in central Philippines is carried out to elucidate these objectives. The case requires a solution of the mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem. Results show that the proposed UC-based problem yields optimal costs and the cost disparity from the current scheduling scheme is approximately at 27% which may be considered as potential cost savings. This shows that UC-based problem provides a reliable platform in achieving minimal generation costs. These results are significant to decision-makers particularly in small power generation firms and to engineering practitioners in the Philippines and in some developing countries as these provide an overview of the disparity of cost figures of not implementing UC.

Unit commitment (UC) along with economic load dispatch (ELD) is an integral optimisation problem in the power generation industry. In this paper, policy-based algorithms are developed to address dispatch problems under different system configurations with the benefit of providing flexibility in addressing several desired policies of decision-makers. A case study is conducted in a diesel-fired, power plant in central Philippines to elucidate the proposed approach. Three policies were created to effectively address the optimisation problem: 1) classic UC model; 2) buying and selling strategy; 3) continuous loading strategy with various issues being considered. Results show that the strategies exhibit a significant decrease in total costs and ease of implementation with respect to the current production schedule of the case firm. Furthermore, the second policy provides the least generated cost which implies that generating firms must consider the option to sell power when market prices reach desired levels.

Unit commitment (UC) along with economic load dispatch (ELD) is an integral optimisation problem in the power generation industry. In this paper, policy-based algorithms are developed to address dispatch problems under different system configurations with the benefit of providing flexibility in addressing several desired policies of decision-makers. A case study is conducted in a diesel-fired, power plant in central Philippines to elucidate the proposed approach. Three policies were created to effectively address the optimisation problem: 1) classic UC model; 2) buying and selling strategy; 3) continuous loading strategy with various issues being considered. Results show that the strategies exhibit a significant decrease in total costs and ease of implementation with respect to the current production schedule of the case firm. Furthermore, the second policy provides the least generated cost which implies that generating firms must consider the option to sell power when market prices reach desired levels.