Genetic algorithm with binary representation of generating unit start-up and shut-down times for the unit commitment problem

• The genetic algorithm is an effective method for unit commitment.
• The proposed definition of the decision variables reduces the solution space.
• The proposed method gives a stable and acceptable solution that is near-optimal.

An approach for solving the unit commitment problem based on genetic algorithm with binary representation of the unit start-up and shut-down times is presented. The proposed definition of the decision variables and their binary representation reduce the solution space and computational time in comparison to the classical genetic algorithm approach to unit commitment. The method incorporates time-dependent start-up costs, demand and reserve constraints, minimum up and down time constraints and units power generation limits. Penalty functions are applied to the infeasible solutions. Test results showed an improvement in effectiveness and computational time compared to results obtained from genetic algorithm with standard binary representation of the unit states and other methods.