Solving the Unit Commitment and Economic Dispatch Problems by Applying a Novel Weighted Decomposition Method

Abstract This paper presents a novel method that enhances the scheduling of electric power systems. The Weighted Decomposition (WD) method considers the importance of each element related to the individual capacity. It differentiates the novel proposal from others, which do not interpret the importance of elements. The WD method combines the advantages of integrated methods and decomposition methods. It can offer better solutions from network reconfiguration to minimize operating costs. As will be shown, solutions of the method are closer to reality because the variables that represent the main elements never are relaxed. The method could be performed by Independent System Operators, distribution market operators, and several entities in charge of the scheduling. Different system configurations can be easily annexed by applying the preprocessing step, which assigns values of importance to all elements. Two test systems are studied: a 3 generator system and the Argentine System with over 1,500 units.