Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to use backbone for optimizing the unit commitment in an energy system. Information on the theoretical background of optimization and unit commitment you can find in the videos LINK.

Backbone is an open source energy system optimization model, developed by the VTT in Finnland (see https://gitlab.vtt.fi/backbone/backbone and [1]). Backbone is programmed in GAMS. You can build a model of your energy system and then use backbone to find the cost optimal solution of your system.

Note: The case study works best on Windows machines. However, it also can be completed on Mac or Linux machines. The only drawback here is, that the automated export of results to Excel does not work. To manually export data to Excel, you must use the export button in GAMS studio (more on that later on).

[1] Helistö, N.; Kiviluoma, J.; Ikäheimo, J.; Rasku, T.; Rinne, E.; O’Dwyer, C.; Li, R.; Flynn, D. Backbone—An Adaptable Energy Systems Modelling Framework. Energies 2019, 12, 3388. https://doi.org/10.3390/en12173388