Economic operation of variable-head hydro-thermal electric power systems using Newton method

Abstract

In this thesis the optimum generation schedules for systems with variable-head hydro plants are developed. The scheduling problem is solved by use of the Newton-Raphson method where the coordination equations developed by Richard-Kron are employed. Several power systems containing different numbers of plants are considered. -- The problem's formulation is profiled and details of the development of the coordination equations with variable-head hydro systems and the discretization of these equations for computer solution are outlined. -- Also highlighted are the difficulties encountered with excess computer processing time due to large arrays and how these problems are resolved. Methods for generating the initial estimates of the variables are presented. -- Results from three test systems are given and, in addition, evaluation tests for the algorithm's response to changes in the system's variables are detailed. -- Coordination equations for systems with transport delay problems resulting from being hydraulically coupled are presented. -- In addition, complete documentation of the computer program is included.