Quantum Approaches for the Unit Commitment Problem - a Literature Survey

This paper investigates the application of quantum computing to the Unit Commitment (UC) problem, a fundamental optimisation challenge in power system operations. From the literature, we can learn about various quantum approaches, including the Quantum Approximate optimisation Algorithm (QAOA), Quantum Annealing (QA), and hybrid quantum-classical methods. The review shows that in the literature it is believed that quantum computing can potentially solve the UC problem more efficiently than classical methods. QAOA shows promise in handling binary decision variables, while hybrid methods enhance computational efficiency and scalability. Quantum Annealing is effective for smaller UC instances, with larger problems requiring partitioning. Despite current hardware limitations, advancements in quantum algorithms and hybrid methods provide a strong foundation for future research. This study highlights the transformative potential of quantum computing in optimising power systems, emphasising the need for continued innovation in quantum hardware and error mitigation techniques.