Optimization of cost and energy production at hydroelectric power plants

Date

2023-12-18

Author

Aslankara, Vedat

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As the world's demand for energy increases, it is crucial to use available energy sources effectively. Renewable energy sources, especially hydropower, play a significant role in energy generation. Therefore, there have been efforts to optimize reservoir operations for hydropower generation. In this study, different reservoir operation optimization models were developed for single storage systems, run-of-river systems, and cascade storage systems of hydropower plants. Twenty different tools were developed, with thirteen being for single storage systems, five for cascade storage systems, and two for run-of-river systems. The models aim to maximize energy generation, revenue, and profit in different operation scenarios. The first model, Fixed Reservoir Level at the End of Operation (FRLEO), limits the reservoir level at the end of the operation duration to a user-specified value and aims to maximize energy generation or maximize revenue for the entire period. The second model, Fixed Reservoir Level at the End of Year (FRLEY), limits the reservoir level at the end of each water year to a user-specified value and aims to maximize energy generated or maximize revenue for the whole operation duration. The third and last model, the Reservoir Level Operation Rule (RLOR), fixes the reservoir levels of every same month of the year for the entire operation period and finds twelve end-of-month reservoir levels that maximize energy generation or maximize revenue. The Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) Nonlinear optimization algorithm is used for all the models. The developed models were tested with a cascade of three dams in Southeast Central Turkey and a run-of-river hydropower plant in the same region. The results show that different operation models affect the energy generation capacity of dams with a considerably large storage capacity, as well as the cascade effect. Small storage capacity dams are not significantly affected by different operation models. However, as the operation models become stricter with additional constraints on end-of-month reservoir operation levels, energy generation capacities are negatively affected, and spilled water volumes increase as expected. Present study provides insight into optimizing reservoir operations to increase energy generation or increase revenue. The suitability and effectiveness of the operation models for single or cascade systems depend on the specific characteristics of the system under consideration. It is important to conduct trials and evaluate the results before deciding on the most appropriate option. Nevertheless, the models developed in this study can be used to determine the optimal operation rules for any single or multi-reservoir system as well as run-of-river systems.

Subject Keywords

Hydropower, Single reservoir operation, Energy optimization, Cascade reservoir operation, Reservoir operation rule

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/107756

Collections

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis