Pool Commit Column
Column Type = Text
This option offers an alternative method for unit-commitment within Aurora. When this option is set to TRUE, the standard price-based self-commitment logic will not be used for any units within the pool. Instead, the model will use a combined reliability and cost-based algorithm to coordinate the unit-commitment for all units in a pool. This algorithm reflects the same parameters and constraints as the standard algorithm including minimum up time, minimum down time, minimum segment size, heat rate at minimum, and startup costs. However, the objective of the algorithm is to find a coordinated commitment schedule which will satisfy reliability and spinning reserve requirements at the lowest estimated system cost.
The algorithm is run once at the first hour of each dispatch day, with decisions made for the next 24 hour period. A 48 hour data window is used to handle boundary effects. The commitment pattern from this schedule is then locked in and used to update the hourly unit status as the simulation proceeds. This commitment algorithm is more computationally intensive than the standard methodology and some effect on model run times can be expected. The advantage of this method is that a user will have more control over the unit-commitment patterns, especially when using the pool level Firm Imports and Exports variables.
Refer to Commitment Logic for more information on the different commitment methodologies.
Pool
Commit Column