Showing papers by "Robert J. Thomas published in 1999"

A Web-based platform for experimental investigation of electric power auctions

Abstract: This paper describes the architecture and uses of an Internet-based software platform called PowerWeb. PowerWeb was designed and implemented as a simulation environment for evaluating various power exchange auction markets through experimental investigation. It is designed to host simulations of a competitive `day-ahead' electric energy market in which the participants interact by submitting bids or offers into a market via a web-based user interface. The PowerWeb environment is meant to be flexible so as to allow investigation of various market mechanisms. In this paper we describe its interactive, distributed and web-based character.

Energy auctions and market power: an experimental examination

Abstract: Testing auction mechanisms experimentally in a controlled environment provides an inexpensive means for evaluating their relative merits. The first part of this paper focuses on the comparison of three different auctions with regard to market efficiency and pricing, given scenarios with two, four, and six competitors. Though the uniform price last accepted offer auction was superior overall, the number of competitors proved to be a more significant factor in determining auction performance. Significant exploitation of market power was observed in the duopoly case. The second part of the paper focuses on a transmission network with six sellers in which network constraints give rise to market power opportunities. Experimental evidence based on tests with student and expert subjects show exploitation of this strategic advantage. Several other scenarios are described in which the transmission network creates market power.

Thermal unit commitment with nonlinear power flow constraints

Abstract: A formulation of the thermal unit commitment problem including nonlinear power flow constraints is presented, making the use of more realistic constraint models possible. It also allows potential VAr production to be used as a criterion for the commitment of generators in strategic locations of the network. The Lagrangian Relaxation framework and a variable duplication technique are employed, permitting exploitation of the separation structure of the dual cost. Some results for small to medium-sized systems are reported.

Restructuring the Electric Power Industry: Emerging Issues, Methods and Tools - Introduction.

Abstract: This report was prepared by the Energy Information Administration, the independent statistical and analytical agency within the Department of Energy. The information contained herein should not be construed as advocating or reflecting any policy position of the Department of Energy or of any other organization. Contacts This report, Challenges of Electric Power Industry General information concerning the report may be Restructuring for Fuel Suppliers, was prepared jointly by obtained from B.D. Hong (202/426-1126) of CNEAF, the Office of Coal, Nuclear, Electric and Alternate Fuels who coordinated the preparation of this report, and (CNEAF), the Office of Oil and Gas (O&G), and the technical information about the preparation and contents Office of Integrated Analysis and Forecasting (OIAF) in of the report may be obtained from the following the Energy Information Administration. iii Preface Section 205(A)(2) of the Department of Energy Organ-dience, including Congress, Federal and State agencies, ization Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-91) requires the the electric power industry, and the general public. Administrator of the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to carry out a central, comprehensive, and unified The legislation that created the EIA vested the organ-energy data and information program that will collect, ization with an element of statutory independence. The evaluate, assemble, analyze, and disseminate data and EIA does not take positions on policy questions. The information relevant to energy resources, reserves, EIA's responsibility is to provide timely, high-quality production, demand, technology, and related economic information and to perform objective, credible analyses and statistical information. in support of deliberations by both public and private The purpose of this report, Challenges of Electric Power purport to represent the policy positions of the U.S. Industry Restructuring for Fuel Suppliers, is to provide an Department of Energy or the Administration. assessment of the changes in other energy industries that could occur as the result of restructuring in the electric This report can be accessed from EIA's World Wide Web power industry. This report is prepared for a wide au-site at Executive Summary The current movement to restructure U.S. electricity Taking advantage of economic returns to scale will be generation markets and make them more competitive another important component of the cost reduction may lead to changes in the financial risks and demands effort. Small firms may be forced out of business, and on the supply and transportation infrastructures for the large firms are likely to continue increasing in size fuels used …

Scheduling of thermal units with a nonlinear load flow network model

Abstract: We describe a formulation of the thermal unit commitment problem that includes AC network constraints, which allows taking into account VAr production as a criterion for generator commitment for the first time. The formulation makes it possible to use the Lagrangian Relaxation technique as a solution algorithm even though the network constraints are not linear. Although the solution method is computationally intensive, the problem exhibits a separation structure and a price coordination schedule that suggest several ways of improving the performance. Preliminary test results are reported.