Optimization of the production of hydroelectric power systems with a variable head (Q1093520)

We present a new approach for optimization of the production of hydroelectric power systems with a variable head. The problem is formulated as a minimum norm problem. The method takes into account the water head variation. To avoid underestimation of production for rising water levels and overestimation for falling water level, an average head (of begin and end of time step) is used. The method also takes into account the stochasticity of the river flows. Numerical results for a real system in operation including up to six reservoirs are reported for different water conditions. The proposed method is computational efficient compared to other approaches.