Load/Resource Matching for Period-of-Record Computer Simulation

Lindsey, Edward D.; Robbins, George E.; ,

Load/Resource Matching for Period-of-Record Computer Simulation

by Edward D. Lindsey, Jr., Southwestern Power Administration, Tulsa, United States,
George E. Robbins, III, Southwestern Power Administration, Tulsa, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Waterpower '91: A New View of Hydro Resources

Abstract:

The Southwestern Power Administration (Southwestern), an agency of the Department of Energy, is responsible for marketing the power and energy produced at Federal hydroelectric power projects developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the southwestern United States. In order to maximize benefits from limited resources, to evaluate proposed changes in the operation of existing projects, and to determine the feasibility and marketability of proposed new projects, Southwestern utilizes a period-of-record computer simulation model created in the 1960's. Southwestern is constructing a new computer simulation model to take advantage of changes in computers, policy, and procedures. Within all hydroelectric power reservoir systems, the ability of the resources to match the load demand is critical and presents complex problems. Therefore, the method used to compare available energy resources to energy load demands is a very important aspect of the new model. Southwestern has developed an innovative method which compares a resource duration curve with a load duration curve, adjusting the resource duration curve to make the most efficient use of the available resources. By comparing duration curves it is possible to determine the amount of any shortage as well as the percentage of time it occurs. Resources are then adjusted through each time period in an effort to meet the loads. This unique approach assures operations that provide reliable generation capability to meet all of Southwestern's loads.

Return to search