Economic optimization of hydropower storage projects using alternative thermal powerplant approach

This paper presents a simulation-optimization model integrating particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and sequential streamflow routing (SSR) method to maximize the net present value (NPV) of a hydropower storage development project. In the PSO-SSR model, the SSR method simulates the operation of reservoir and its powerplant on a monthly basis over long term for each set of controllable design and operational variables, which includes dam reservoir and powerplant capacities as well as reservoir rule curve parameters, being searched for by the PSO algorithm. To evaluate the project NPV for each set of the controllable variables, the “alternative thermal powerplant (ATP)” approach is employed to determine the benefit term of the project NPV. The PSO-SSR model has been used in the problem of optimal design and operation of Garsha hydropower development project in Iran. Results show that the model with a simple, hydropower standard operating policy results in an NPV comparable to another model optimizing operating policies.