University of Puerto Rico

Correspondence: N. D. Ramirez-Beltran, Industrial Engineering Department, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00708.

Abstract

An optimization algorithm for energy distribution in an isolated electrical power system that exhibits energy shortages for relatively long periods of time is introduced in this paper. The algorithm periodically revises the expected demand and the generation capacity to determine the electrical deficit. The objective is to minimize the total load of a select group of circuits to be interrupted, such that their loads most nearly approximate the electrical deficit. A probability model is used to characterize whether or not a circuit is available for being interrupted. The methodology also provides a recommended running overhead capacity and an interruption length for a given deficit condition. The state of each circuit in a given electrical system is defined as a pure binary variable and an optimal solution is found within the framework of the zero-one implicit enumeration algorithm.