Hydropower Reservoirs Operation: A Time Decomposition Approach

In this paper, a framework for operation of hydropower reservoirs in Iran is discussed. A time decomposition approach, which breaks down the operation optimization problem to long, mid and short-term planning stages, is developed. Stochastic dynamic programming models are developed for long-term and mid-term optimization and a deterministic dynamic programming model is developed for short-term optimization of two hydropower-reservoirs (a parallel system). An economic analysis of the benefits and cost of the operation are incorporated in all three stages of planning by developing economic cost functions. The developed algorithm is applied to the Karoon and Dez river-reservoir systems in the southwest of Iran. The results of this study have shown the significant value of the developed models and their relational framework in providing more flexibility and adaptability in using methods and tools for decision-making in real world situations.