Thermal Unit Commitment Problem by Using Genetic Algorithm, Fuzzy Logic and Priority List Method

In electrical power industries saving in fuel costs can be achieved by optimized commitment of available generating units. This paper describes the application of genetic algorithm and fuzzy logic for determining short-term commitment of thermal units in electrical power generation. Feasibility of these methods is examined and preliminary results to determine near optimal commitment order of thermal units in studied power system over short term are reported. The results obtained from genetic algorithm and fuzzy logic based approach are compared with the priority list method solution to unit commitment problem. The comparison proves that genetic algorithm and fuzzy logic based approach are powerful tools for solving such highly non-linear, multi constrained optimization problems in electrical power systems.