Novel MILP Scheduling Model for Power-Intensive Processes under Time-Sensitive Electricity Prices

GOPALAKRISHNAN, AJIT; BASÁN, NATALIA P.; LOTERO, IRENE; GROSSMANN, IGNACIO E.; MÉNDEZ, CARLOS A.

INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMICAL RESEARCH

AMER CHEMICAL SOC

Año: 2018 vol. 57 p. 1581 - 1592

0888-5885

In this work, a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is presented based on a discrete-time scheduling formulation that allows modeling and optimizing operational decisions for processes working under time-sensitive energy prices. The main goal is to find an optimal production schedule, over a given time horizon, that satisfies product demand while minimizing total energy cost. This novel formulation, based on a new concept to model the transitions between alternative operating modes, is very efficient and robust. To illustrate the new capabilities of the model, a comprehensive comparison is performed with a previous alternative model. The model is also used to efficiently solve a real-world industrial case study. The obtained results show optimal solutions for the proposed methodology with modest computational effort.