An Ensemble Deep Learning Model for Provincial Load Forecasting Based on Reduced Dimensional Clustering and Decomposition Strategies

The accurate prediction of short-term load is crucial for the grid dispatching department in developing power generation plans, regulating unit output, and minimizing economic losses. However, due to the variability in customers’ electricity consumption behaviour and the randomness of load fluctuations, it is challenging to achieve high prediction accuracy. To address this issue, we propose an ensemble deep learning model that utilizes reduced dimensional clustering and decomposition strategies to mitigate large prediction errors caused by non-linearity and unsteadiness of load sequences. The proposed model consists of three steps: Firstly, the selected load features are dimensionally reduced using singular value decomposition (SVD), and the principal features are used for clustering different loads. Secondly, variable mode decomposition (VMD) is applied to decompose the total load of each class into intrinsic mode functions of different frequencies. Finally, an ensemble deep learning model is developed by combining the strengths of LSTM and CNN-GRU deep learning algorithms to achieve accurate load forecasting. To validate the effectiveness of our proposed model, we employ actual residential electricity load data from a province in northwest China. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm performs better than existing methods in terms of predictive accuracy.