The Mediterranean-Dead Sea Project: A Mathematical Model and Dynamic Optimization of a Solar-Hydroelectric Power Plant

Abstract

The Dead Sea, part of the Jordon Rift Valley, lies at an elevation of about 400 m below sea level at a distance of only 70 km from the Mediterranean. In this paper, a mathematical model is derived simulating the dynamic behavior of a solar-hydroelectric power plant, utilizing the difference in elevation between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea by conducting Mediterranean water to the Dead Sea, partly by tunnel. This model was applied to determine the optimal control of inlet water to the evaporation basin of the Dead Sea, through the entire life of the plant, by dynamic programming methods. The optimization results were also utilized for determination of plant engineering parameters such as the diameter and gradient of the sea water tunnel.