Generator Initial Generation

Units:	MW
Mode:	Input Only
Multi-band:	False
Default Value:	0
Validation Rule:	≥0
Key Property:	No
Description:	Generation at time zero
Detail:

Generator Initial Generation sets the initial (t=0) dispatch state of the facility. It is used to initialize constraints such as Max Ramp Up, Max Ramp Down, Min Up Time, Min Down Time, Max Up Time, and Max Down Time. This property is combined with Initial Units Generating and Initial Hours Up or Initial Hours Down when enforcing minimum/maximum up and down time constraints. If you omit Initial Units Generating then it is assumed that, if initial generation is non-zero, all available units are running, otherwise if Initial Generation is zero then all units are off at t=0.

If Initial Generation is not defined then the initial dispatch state is freely optimized i.e. a value is determined by the optimization that minimizes the impact of the initial conditions on the overall system cost.

Table 1: Initial Generation Example

Property	Value	Units
Units	1	-
Max Capacity	500	MW
Min Stable Level	120	MW
Max Ramp Up	2	MW/min
Max Ramp Down	2	MW/min
Initial Generation	350	MW
Initial Units Generating	1	-
Initial Hours Up	6	h
Initial Hours Down	0	h
Min Up Time	18	h
Min Down Time	12	h

In the example in Table 1 the operating state at t=0 is one unit operating at 500 MW. Because the maximum ramp is 2 MW/min. the unit can reach a maximum of 470 MW (350 + 2 x 60) or minimum of 230 MW (350 - 2 x 60) in the first hour. Additionally, the unit has been up for six hours and must continue operating for a further 12 to meet the minimum up time.