The Optimal Power Flow (OPF) model represents the problem of determining the best
operating levels for electric power plants in order to meet demands given
throughout a transmission network, usually with the objective of minimizing
operating cost.
As electrical power flows according to nonlinear, nonconvex functions of
the system’s physical characteristics, this can be a difficult problem. However,
in actual operations an instance with the entire distribution network must be
solved in real time (every five minutes for many Independent System Operators)
to ensure demand is met accurately.
This case study will present several of the most commonly used formulations of
the OPF problem and allow for running of the model with data sets given in one
of several supported formats, which can be converted to a native GDX format.
