Optimal short term hydro scheduling of large power systems with discretized horizon

In this paper, we present a new algorithm based on the discrete maximum principle for determining the optimal short-term operating policy of hydroelectric power systems consisting of multi-reservoirs, where the objective is to maximize the potential energy while satisfying all operating constraints over a short-term planning horizon. In order to improve the performance of the proposed algorithm, we have suggested subdividing the short-term planning horizon to shorter study horizons so shorter study periods are embedded in a longer one. Afterward, the objective becomes maximizing the value of potential energy stored at the end of the shorter horizon. The final state of the shorter horizon will be regarded as the initial state of the next shorter horizon and so on. Hence, a reduced size problem is solved in each shorter horizon. Consequently, the calculation effort is decreased considerably and moreover the adjustment of the parameters of the methods used is facilitated.