Cost optimization via rescheduling in smart grids — A linear programming approach

The smart grid opens the possibility for Demand Response (DR) programs. In order for end-users to obtain the maximal benefit from DR programs, low priority load should be shifted from the high energy price periods or should be operated at reduced power levels. To that end, this paper proposes a linear programming model which reschedules the household appliances at relatively lower energy price periods to minimize the total energy cost in a day. Since the rescheduling of a task creates inconvenience to the users, the proposed model considers this inconvenience as disutility and models it as a function of delay. The constraints related to different power consumption patterns of different loads and the constraints imposed by the utility have been considered to effectively model the appliance power consumption. An analysis is presented to evaluate the influence of different parameters on the model. Finally, a comparison to previous research is provided which shows that our model is as effective as others with a simple model description and extended features.