Derived Power Production and Energy Drawdown Rules for Reservoirs

Abstract

Theoretical hydropower operation rules are derived and discussed for reservoirs in parallel, in series, and single reservoirs for cases where reservoirs typically refill before they empty and for parallel reservoirs when reservoirs are expected to draw down to empty. These hydropower rules offer a simplified economic basis for allocating storage and energy in multireservoir hydropower systems. The approach is demonstrated for an illustrative example and should be helpful for making decisions regarding hydropower releases over time, subject to the limited conditions under which these rules hold.