Optimal unit commitment using equivalent linear minimum up and down time constraints

An optimal unit commitment for electric spot markets is presented in this paper. Unit commitment is a mixed integer and non-linear and complex combinatorial optimization problem which is difficult to be solved for large-scale power systems. This paper presents equivalent linear expression of the problem. Artificial generators are used to model loss of load and to avoid divergence. Mixed-integer linear programming is used to minimize the total energy dispatch cost in 24 hours of a day. A system as the same structure as Iranian power market is used to demonstrate the efficiency of the presented method. Simulation results are compared with the results of another approach. The results show the efficiency of the proposed method.