An effective algorithm for the multi-area unit commitment

A bi-level decision-making method for the network constrained unit commitment (UC) problem is proposed. The upper level aims to minimize the total cost by solving an optimal power flow problem which considering the flow constraints of the tie lines. It produces the generation output for the lower level which deals with the sub-systems. In lower level the sub problems are solved by minimizing the generation cost, then the optimal unit status and unit output power can be achieved. The two levels are solved alternatively according to the marginal information of the lower level. The efficiency and validity of the proposed method is verified using the case studies.