Control model for hydroelectric energy-value optimization

A hydropower scheduling model that aims at minimizing thermal station-operation costs subject to various water- and power-demand constraints is described The cost structure of the thermal power system is represented through incremental power-generation cost (or lambda) curves, which can be determined by running load-dispatching models. The model includes two control modules: one for the most efficient load allocation among the hydroplant turbines and another for the determination of the best hourly sequence of hydroplant power loads over the control horizon. These two modules are able to represent hydropower facilities and reservoir-management features in good detail, and the lambda curves effectively incorporate the essential elements of the thermal power system. The model is tested in the Lanier-Allatoona-Carters system in the southeastern United States and is shown to be computationally efficient even for very long control horizons.