Abstract
In this work we study long-term maximization of hydroelectric energy generation from complex multi-purpose reservoir systems, using the reservoir system of the Aliakmon River, Greece, as an application example. This system serves various purposes, like urban water supply, irrigation, hydroelectric energy production, cooling thermoelectric power plants and flood control, while preserving environmental flow. The system operator uses institutional rules for the annual scheduling of the outflows of the 2 largest reservoirs (Ilarion and Polyfyto) for additional safety and smooth distribution of energy production through the year. In this work, we focus on maximization of energy production. We have considered three different hydrological scenarios (dry, average and wet), both for the current and for anticipated future water demand. The multi-reservoir system’s operation was simulated and then optimized using a rather simple form of genetic algorithms, in order to maximize hydro energy production. All other water uses were taken into account as constraints. Our conceptual and computational approach succeeded to identify and quantify hydro energy production increase and to indicate necessary changes to the operating rule curves of the reservoirs. The methodology can be easily adapted to other large-scale multi reservoir systems.
Highlights
Multi-reservoir systems have multiple roles, like meeting domestic, industrial and irrigation water demand, production of hydroelectric energy, storage of energy produced by renewable sources, flood mitigation and ecosystem conservation
In this work we study long-term maximization of hydroelectric energy generation from complex multi-purpose reservoir systems, using the reservoir system of the Aliakmon River, Greece, as application example
We introduce and check a conceptual model for long-term optimization, we evaluate the efficiency of a rather simple form of the genetic algorithm method, which serves as optimization tool, we discuss the formulation of the constraints we quantify the possible increase of hydro-energy production and we indicate necessary improvements to the institutional operating rules
Summary
Multi-reservoir systems have multiple roles, like meeting domestic, industrial and irrigation water demand, production of hydroelectric energy, storage of energy produced by renewable sources (wind, solar), flood mitigation and ecosystem conservation. At least very efficient, management of such systems requires complex and difficult decisions. The temporal and spatial distribution of supply and demand for water and energy is inherently complex and stochastic, and maximization of the overall benefits of multi-purpose multi-reservoir systems requires an in-depth investigation of their operation. Energies 2020, 13, 6499 widely used to determine the operating rules of reservoirs This is due to their ability to propose optimal water allocation policies among different uses in each decision-making period, as a function of the available information and, in particular, the level of stored water volume of the reservoirs. The targets of reservoir systems management and related simulation and analysis methods include fair water allocation among users, minimizing the risks and consequences of water scarcity and floods, optimizing the benefits of using water, energy and land, and protection of environmental resources. Experience has shown that no algorithm can be used efficiently in all reservoir operation problems, as each problem has its own particular physical and operational characteristics
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