Optimal Self-Scheduling of a Thermal Producer in Short-Term Electricity Markets by MILP

This paper addresses the problem of the self-scheduling of a thermal electricity producer in day-ahead energy and reserves markets. A 0/1 mixed integer linear formulation of the producer self-scheduling problem is provided, which allows a realistic and accurate modeling of the unit´s operating phases. A novel unit start-up modeling is presented, in which three different start-up types are modeled, hot, warm, and cold, each with distinct start-up cost, synchronization time, soak time, and predefined start-up power output trajectories, all dependent on the unit´s prior reservation time. Test results address the effect of the energy and reserves market clearing prices on the producer units´ day-ahead commitment status and profits.