An Milp Formulation for Load-Side Demand Control

This paper presents a mixed integer linear programming formulation for load-side control of electrical energy demand. The formulation utilizes demand prediction to determine if control actions are necessary, and it schedules both shedding and restoration times based on an optimization model that minimizes the net cost of load shedding. Operational constraints are satisfied through the use of minimum/maximum uptimes/downtimes, which depend upon the current state of the system. The algorithm is evaluated using a simulation model of an underground coal mining operation where, (i) its performance is compared with a traditional static, priority-based, load-shedding schedule, and, (ii) its potential is established for producing net savings through demand control.