Optimization of hydropower systems operation with a quadratic model (Q1109670)

The paper treats the problem of optimal hydropower generation in a reservoir network. A deterministic discrete-time optimal control problem is formulated with a quadratic performance index and linear equality and inequality constraints both on the state and the control variables. The optimization problem is solved by use of a particular successive approximation algorithm of the feasible direction type. The algorithm is presented in full detail and is applied to a practical example involving six reservoirs over a time horizon of 12 time intervals corresponding to one year. Results indicate sufficient accuracy and low computational requirements of the presented method.