See Also
The objective of the OPF algorithm is to minimize the OPF objective function, subject to various equality and inequality constraints. Since the objective of the OPF is to minimize an objective function, what objective function is used has a significant impact on the final solution.
Currently two objective functions are available in Simulator OPF: Minimum Cost and Minimum Control Change. Minimum Cost attempts to minimize the sum of the total control (generation, load, phase shifters, transactions, dc lines, and island slack bus angles) costs in specified areas or super areas. Minimum Control Change attempts to minimize the sum of the absolute values of the changes in the controls (generation, load, phase shifters, transactions, dc lines, and island slack bus angles) in the specified areas or super areas.
To include an area or super area in the OPF objective function, simply change the Area AGC Status field to "OPF" on the OPF Area Records Display or the Super Area AGC Status field to "OPF" on the OPF Super Area Records Display. This gives you great flexibility in defining the OPF study. For example you can set the OPF to minimize costs for the entire system, or just selected areas or super areas.