Optimization of Hydropower Plant Integration in Water Supply System

Abstract

An optimization model is presented for determining the optimal design capacities of a water delivery system integrating small hydropower plants. A discrete distance model of the transmission pipeline is solved by employing dynamic programming. The model determines the proper allocation of available pressure head to various potential hydropower sites along the supply main and determines the optimal pipe diameter. The practical value of the model is demonstrated in an example for a supply system to serve four towns. The solution of the model gives the set of turbine capacities, pipe diameters, head allocation resulting in maximum net benefit for a given quantity of available water and demand, and the expected net benefits.