A multi-objective optimization model for the coordinated operation of hydropower and renewable energy

Abstract

The rapid growth of wind and solar energy sources in recent years has brought challenges to power systems. One challenge is surging wind and solar electric generation, understanding how to consume such generation is important. Achieving the complementarity of hydropower and renewable energies such as wind and solar power by utilizing the flexible regulation performance of hydropower is helpful to provide firm power to help renewable energy consumption. However, the multi-energy complementary operation mode will change the traditional hydropower operation mode, causing challenges to the comprehensive utilization of hydropower. In this paper, a multi-objective optimal scheduling model is built by considering coordinated hydro-wind-solar system peak shaving and downstream navigation. First, the Gaussian mixture model is adopted to quantify the uncertainty of wind and solar power. Then, a hydro-wind-solar coordinated model was built to obtain the standard deviation of the residual load and the standard deviation of the downstream water level. Finally, the ε-constraint method is used to solve for the Pareto optimality. The results demonstrate the following: 1) The proposed model can effectively determine hydropower output schemes that can coordinate wind and solar power output to reconcile peak shaving and navigation; 2) The downstream hydropower stations’ reverse regulation of the upstream hydropower station is a positive factor in reconciling conflicts; and 3) Reasonable planning of wind power and solar power is helpful for hydro-wind solar power complement operation.