Abstract

In this paper we try to build a framework in optimization model building for students without previous mathematical optimization training and experience. While modeling is a matter of art, approach and compromise between complexity and closeness to reality we need to spend some time on the basics of optimization modeling such as cost function, constraints, variables and coefficients. There is a huge variety of optimization problems solved in Electric Power Systems. The most complex of all is considered to be the Unit Commitment problem where at each iteration an Economic Dispatch is performed.