Design and Implementation of an Optimal Real-Time Hydropower Generation Scheduling System for the Lower Colorado River in Texas

by Quentin W. Martin, (M.ASCE), Lower Colorado River Authority, Austin, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Policy and Management: Solving the Problems

Abstract:

The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) of Texas supplies water and electric power to over 800,000 persons in Central Texas. A real-time decision support system is being developed and implemented to optimally schedule the hourly operation of the eleven LCRA hydropower generating units to work in concert with the three steam-electric power plants operated by LCRA. The system determines an optimal hydro generation schedule based upon forecasted power and water demands and hydrologic conditions over the next 72 hours, using a linear programming (LP) model of the Highland Lakes. The solution to the LP model is provided in real-time directly to the power system dispatcher through a user-friendly graphical interface. The operator uses this information in determining generation unit commitment. The operator may change input data and display detailed outputs easily through the graphical interface. The design of the optimization and interface models are discussed. Implementation and operational experiences using the decision support system will be presented.

Subject Headings: Hydro power | Power plants | Rivers and streams | Decision support systems | Computer programming | Scheduling | Power supply | United States | Texas | Colorado River | Colorado

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