Economic Dispatch Planning for Balanced Generation
Economic dispatch helps operators choose the lowest cost mix of online generators. Each unit has its own fuel curve. The curve usually rises as output increases. A good schedule does not simply divide demand equally. It compares incremental costs and respects each operating limit. This approach is useful for thermal units, teaching examples, and screening studies.
Why Lambda Matters
The lambda value is the common incremental cost used by unconstrained units. When a unit is inside its minimum and maximum range, its marginal cost should match lambda. If the unit reaches a boundary, the calculator locks it there. The remaining demand is then shared by flexible units. The lambda is found by repeated balancing. The process keeps adjusting output until supply is close to the required target.
Advanced Inputs
This page accepts fixed cost, linear cost, quadratic cost, unit limits, current output, ramp allowance, demand, reserve, and estimated losses. These inputs support planning cases with practical restrictions. Ramp data is optional. When it is used, the available range is narrowed around the present output. A reserve entry can represent extra scheduled headroom. The loss entry adds a simple demand allowance. It is not a full power flow study.
Interpreting Results
The result table shows scheduled megawatts, unit cost, incremental cost, and active bounds. A lower total cost means the schedule uses cheaper units more effectively. Savings compare the optimized plan with a simple bounded sharing case. The comparison is only a planning reference, not a market settlement. Review each unit row before using the output. A generator at a limit may need attention, fuel review, or a different commitment choice.
Good Practice
Use realistic fuel coefficients. Check whether all generators are available. Review warnings about infeasible demand. If demand is above total capacity, the shortage is shown. If demand is below total minimum output, oversupply is shown. Operators should also consider security limits, emissions, start costs, and network studies.
Planning Context
Economic dispatch is one part of an operating workflow. Unit commitment decides which machines run. Dispatch decides how much each online machine should produce. Real systems may include prohibited zones, valve point effects, hydro limits, batteries, renewable forecasts, and transmission constraints. Use this calculator as a transparent planning model. Then confirm the schedule with approved engineering tools and operating rules.