Towards the solution of an optimal control problem in the load management of electric power systems

Load management in electric power systems has become increasingly popular as a means of modifying the load shape so as to maintain reliable service to the customers while maximizing the capital plant utilization. For load management to be effective, it is necessary to have models of the load so that the effects of the controls on the load shape can be evaluated. The paper presents a model developed by aggregating the elementary component load models in the system. In contrast to other simulation-oriented models used in load management studies, this model can be used for studying optimal load management strategies through an optimization approach.