Optimization Workshop at Waterpower XVI

Workshop will present and demonstrate optimization methods used in conventional hydropower and PGS operations.  Discussions will include optimization techniques applied to both the operations and planning sides of hydro/PGS systems.  Emphasis will be placed on understanding the benefits of optimizing operations with respect to long-term strategic planning, short-term (hourly) scheduling, and real-time unit commitment and dispatch scheduling.  Discussions will also include valuing the impacts of system changes (upgrades/relicensing/wind integration) using optimization techniques.  The scope includes water resource networks, transmission network constraints, and interaction with independent system markets within an optimization modeling environment.

Specific agenda of items:

1. Optimization roles in hydropower operations, the need, the benefits.
2. How optimization differs from simulation.
3. Optimization techniques, long-term, short-term, real-time.
4. The Vista model – system representations, inputs, output.
5. Modeling hydro/PGS systems in operations mode.
6. Operations – Case Studies.
7. Optimization roles in hydropower planning, the need, the benefits.
8. Planning studies for hydro systems – Case Studies.