Optimization of Peak Load Shaving in STS group Cranes Based on PSO Algorithm

Most of the power demand at Container Terminals (CT) is related to Ship to Shore (STS) cranes. These cranes work simultaneously together for loading and unloading container. This issue causes the peak demand increase significantly. Considering the STS group crane's activity to move containers (from ship to shore and vice versa), finding the best delay time between STS cranes can play an important role to reduce the total power demand. The peak shaving strategy which has been used in this paper is Demand Side Management (DSM). DSM method increases efficient energy utilization and power quality of the system as well as the peak power and energy costs reduction. Simulations have been made for a preliminary evaluation of prospected efficiency goals. Results in MATLAB related to reference data shows the proposed method can reduce the peak power demand in STS group cranes around 60 - 70%. The simulations confirm also that the evaluation of the peak shaving assuming an equal time delay in the cranes duty offers acceptable preliminary estimates and reassures a simpler management.