An algorithm for optimized cascade operation of reservoirs

摘要

The optimized operation of hydro reservoirs has great potential to contribute positively to different socioeconomic sectors, as well as reducing the vulnerabilities of hydropower systems caused by climate change. This motivates researches on advanced, flexible and open tools that support operational policies to use available, but not infinite, renewable resources in an optimal way. This paper intends to contribute with an algorithm that allows to define the best strategy of energy generation through cascaded reservoir systems, as well as to determine the conjugated firm power of the hydroelectric plant of each reservoir, considering the individual storage capacity. With the application of Linear Programming for a given case, an algorithm was generated that optimizes the flows used in each plant, converging to the global optimum value from the determination of the value of each period, minimizing wastes / loses. For the analyzed case, the use of the flow regulation increased the firm energy by 1.59 MW average, representing a 21.5% increase in the firm production.