Power and Energy Study of Hydroelectric Plants

Each plant in operation or under study is examined herein as part of an integrated system with the objective of obtaining continuously, even in dry years, the maximum possible energy during the period under consideration. Al data are processed by the help of an extensive program, in which the safety of the projects is taken into account by retaining water levels between limits, defined by the spillway and intake elevations, expected floods and water requirements downstream of the plants. Tentative rule curves are used to obtain a maximum possible power generation, minimizing spilling and fulfilling irrigation water requirements. Distribution of energy among the different plants of the system is achieved by linear programming, considering the characteristic curves of the units and the topographical conditions of the reservoirs and tailraces. Pumping plants can be included in the system in order to used surplus energy during night hours with the result of increasing the water resources of the reservoirs during hours of maximum demand.