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Optimal hydraulic operation of a complex two reservoir hydro-electric system

University of British Columbia

This thesis presents an example of the use of dynamic programming for optimizing the hydraulic operation of a complex two reservoir hydroelectric system in order to provide maximum firm power output. Records of natural inflows are used over a winter drawdown period for study purposes and flow forecast procedures are discussed. The system, owned by the Aluminum Company of Canada Ltd. (ALCAN), Arvida, P.Q., is described, including its operations and restrictions. Also described are the procedures used and the assumptions made for a daily simulation computer program which is used by ALCAN and was made available for purposes of this study. A description of dynamic programming including definitions of the normally used terms "objective function, "stages" and "states" is given and is followed by a discussion of the limitations of the ALCAN program for direct use in the dynamic programming algorithm. A new simplified simulation routine that cuts computer costs drastically yet gives reasonable results is described. Assumptions of the new routine are stated and its operation is described. The dynamic programming computer routine is explained, followed by a short description of the implications of system restrictions on the routine. Comparisons between ALCAN simulation output and the dynamic programming routine output are made and the method of obtaining maximum firm power is indicated. Tests are made to determine the sensitivity of the "state" increment to computer costs and program accuracy. For operational purposes, the dynamic programming routine can be used to determine optimal reservoir drawdown rule curves which can be then fed into the ALCAN simulation for daily operational purposes.

Text

2011-05-12

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/34504

Civil Engineering

University of British Columbia

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