Optimization of Generating Units Dispatch

OPTIMIZATION OF GENERATING UNITS DISPATCH

System baseado Based on Optimization and Measurement for
the Scheduling of Generating Units of Hydropower Plants

Solution based on a computational system that, with real-time measurements and the coordinated execution of optimization models, performs real-time optimization of a hydroelectric power plant (HPP). It is a type of specialized joint control that considers the specificities of each generating unit and optimizes the generation required for the HPP.

This system focuses on a solution for hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) in the National Interconnected System (SIN), which are classified by the National Electric System Operator (ONS) as Type I plants, meaning their scheduling and generation dispatch are centralized. In this context, an agent owning an HPP faces a series of operational challenges to consider throughout the stages comprising the plant’s generation dispatch, including:

(a) Generation targets provided by ONS to maintain centralized coordination of the SIN;
(b) Forced and scheduled outages of generating units (GUs);
(c) Inflow forecasting;
(d) Presence of several GUs, with some possibly having distinct operating behavior located in powerhouse blocks along the dam;
(e) The groups may have different hill curves due to differing construction characteristics;
(f) As a result, there are different operating characteristics between groups, such as hydraulic efficiency curves and turbine operating ranges;
(g) Some HPPs adopt the concept of generation islands, where different GUs and step-up transformers (STs) are present with specific operational restrictions for connection to the system;
(h) Lastly, and no less importantly, in most cases there is strong hydraulic coupling with upstream and downstream plants.


MAIN FEATURES

Intelligent Operation Optimization

Decision support tool for operation, considering individual efficiency and other relevant variables

Automatic Dispatch

Possibility of automatic dispatch for greater agility, accuracy, and efficiency in generation control

Real-Time Decisions

Considers the real-time particularities of each generating unit to make the optimal decision

Efficient Joint Control

Provides the function of a classic joint control (equal division)

Operational Variable Analysis

Considers gross head, load loss, and individual efficiency of each machine