MATLAB Program for Economic Load Dispatch with Optimization Algorithms

The economic load dispatch problem represents a fundamental challenge in power system operation and control, focusing on minimizing total generation costs while meeting electricity demand and satisfying all operational constraints. MATLAB serves as an advanced computational platform for addressing this optimization problem through multiple algorithmic approaches. Key implementation methods include quadratic programming for cost functions with quadratic characteristics, linear programming for simplified linear models, and genetic algorithms for handling non-convex optimization landscapes with complex constraints. A typical MATLAB implementation would involve defining objective functions representing fuel costs, configuring constraint matrices for generator limits and power balance equations, and utilizing optimization solvers like fmincon or ga from the Global Optimization Toolbox. The program structure generally includes data initialization modules, constraint handling functions, and optimization algorithm selection parameters. For large-scale systems, the code may incorporate sparse matrix operations to enhance computational efficiency and memory management. By developing this MATLAB program, power system operators can achieve optimal generation scheduling, significantly reduce operational expenses, and enhance grid reliability through constraint-aware dispatch solutions. The implementation allows for scalability to accommodate varying system sizes and can integrate additional constraints such as transmission limits or environmental emissions through modified objective functions.