Fuel constrained combined heat and power dispatch problem using marine predators algorithm

In this manuscript, the conventional combined heat and power economic dispatch (CHPED) problem is reconsidered under fuel constraint with take-or-pay contract. The aim of the problem is to find the optimal active power generations and heat productions which provides the minimum fuel cost while satisfying all operational constraints. A recently presented metaheuristic approach, Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA), is chosen for solving the problem addressed. Unlike the previous studies dealing with the CHPED problem, ramp rate, valve-points effect, prohibited operation zones for power-only units, feasible region constraints of combined heat and power units, take-or-pay constraint for limited fuel supply units are included all at once. Furthermore, power transmission losses are calculated using B-matrix loss formula. Case studies are conducted on a 24-unit test system with a 24-h operation period. The results obtained for the cases with and without the take-or-pay constraint are compared. When the take-or-pay constraint is taken into account, a 3.5% saving is achieved in the total cost.