An Optimal Resource Assignment Problem in Smart Grid

The paper describes a resource allocation problem in a smartgrid application formulated and solved as a binary integer programming model. For handling power outages from the main distribution circuit, the intelligent agents in the smart grid have to utilize and negotiate with DER (distributed energy resource) agents that act on behalf of the local generators in the grid, to negotiate power supply purchases to satisfy shortages. We develop a model that can assign these DERs optimally to available multiple regional utility areas or units (RUAs) that are experiencing power shortages. This is a resource assignment problem. The DERs in our model depict the behavior of power generated through windturbine, solar powered generation or other renewable power generation units and the region or area refers to a centralized distribution unit. The integer programming approach is called a capacity based Iterative Binary Integer Linear Programming (C-IBILP). All simulation results are carried out using the optimization tool box in MATLAB. Computation results exhibits very good performance for problem instances tested and validates the assumptions made. Keywords— C-IBILP; DER; RUA; BB.