Weekly Multipurpose Planning Model for TVA Reservoir System

A mathematical model is described that was developed as a tool for reservoir system planning studies and long-range operational studies. It consists of a simulation model of the reservoir system guided by an optimization method based on dynamic programing. The objective function represents total system operation cost. This function consists of the weighted sum of cost functions representing the major operating purposes of the system. The model determines end-of-week storage levels for 52 weeks or shorter planning periods for 19 storage reservoirs. The optimal solution is associated with minimum system operation cost for the planning period. The model is deterministic. It uses a set of power-system data and hydrologic data and finds the least cost solution for this input by considering the entire planning period. Specific operating constraints can be included. However, the model has the capability to find the minimum cost guided by the objective functions while it is constrained only by the design limits of the system.