A decoupling strategy for protecting sensitive process information in cooperative optimization of power flow

Abstract

Optimal power flow (OPF) with close cooperation between the power grid and flexible electricity‐intensive chemical processes can reduce costs for the grid and for electricity users. However, this would require sharing detailed chemical process models, which may reveal confidential information and potentially jeopardize competitive advantages for a chemical process operator. We propose an algorithm that enables economically advantageous cooperation without the need to exchange sensitive information. Low‐order linear models are used to represent the dynamic behavior of electricity‐intensive processes. We integrate these models into the OPF problem and solve the problem using a decoupling strategy based on Benders‐type cuts. The cuts introduce limited communication between the chemical processes and the grid without exchanging explicit information pertaining to the process dynamics and performance. Our results reproduce solutions obtained by sharing detailed process models up to a user‐defined optimality gap for several test cases that reflect both normal and congested grid states. We also investigate the trade‐off between the value of the optimality gap and computational effort. Finally, we study the scaling behavior of the iterative procedure with respect to flexible loads at multiple grid locations.

Grid‐responsive smart manufacturing: A perspective for an interconnected energy future in the industrial sector

“…Some previous work has addressed this problem with decoupling strategies to protect proprietary information while still optimizing power flow between participating loads and the grid. 64 Recent publications have shown that the cooperation and cooperation between industrial facilities can improve overall grid operations even when using decoupling strategies to protect advantages. 65,66 Some industrial load profile benchmarking has been done by the Electric Power Research Institute with their Load Shape Library.…”

“…Information concerning production and process energy use has typically been kept private, as this information could give certain plants a competitive advantage over other facilities. Some previous work has addressed this problem with decoupling strategies to protect proprietary information while still optimizing power flow between participating loads and the grid 64 . Recent publications have shown that the cooperation and cooperation between industrial facilities can improve overall grid operations even when using decoupling strategies to protect advantages 65,66 …”