Production Start Cost Method

Units:	-
Default Value:	0
Validation Rule:	In (0,1)
Description:	Method for handling start costs in the mathematical formulation (integrate into the formulation, or calculate ex-post)

Production Start Cost Method is used to trade-off formulation size (and hence performance) with accuracy in modelling generating unit start costs. It can take these values:

Optimize (value = 0)

Start costs are formulated and thus generating unit starts are optimized.

Calculate (value = 1)

Start costs are omitted from the formulation but the start costs implied by unit operation are still calculated and reported.

With the default "Optimize" setting, start cost elements are included in the mathematical programming problem formulation for any setting of the Unit Commitment Optimality. Thus this option can improve the performance of any simulation where Start Cost is defined.