Optimal Rotational Load Shedding Via Bilinear Integer Programming

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of managing rotational load shedding schedules for a power distribution network with multiple load zones. An integer optimization problem is formulated to find the optimal number and duration of planned power outages. Various types of damage costs are proposed to capture the heterogeneous load shedding preferences of different zones. The McCormick relaxation along with an effective procedure feasibility recovery is developed to solve the resulting bilinear integer program, which yields a high-quality suboptimal solution. Extensive simulation results corroborate the merit of the proposed approach, which has a substantial edge over existing load shedding schemes.

Prosocial motives of solar entrepreneurs combating energy poverty in South Africa

“…Electricity load shedding is “a premeditated power outage in some load zones when it is expected that the power supply cannot meet the demand” (Maqsood et al, 2018). Previous studies reveal that load shedding and its impacts are strongly associated with people's socio‐economic class (Cobbinah & Adams, 2018).…”

The effects of electricity load-shedding on the performance of small and medium enterprises in Pretoria, South Africa: A case study of Marabastad Business Community

“…Load-shedding is a last-resort measure by a power supply utility, whereby the strain placed on an electricity grid is reduced by means of temporarily halting its supply -purposely limiting electricity supply to users as a result of an over-demand (Eskom 2014;City of Cape Town, 2015). When demand for electricity outstrips supply, power utility companies tend to ration power supply to users in order to avoid overloading the electrical power systems, and this is what is commonly known as load-shedding, which is 'a premeditated power outage in some load zones when it is expected that the power supply cannot meet the demand' (Maqsood et al, 2018).…”