Reservoir Systems Optimization

Although systems analysis tools have been available for over a decade, no major reservoir system presently uses optimization models for real-time operation. Of the many existing reservoir systems, the Central Valley Project in California, and the Tennessee Valley Authority project in Tennessee were examined as representative systems. Though the TVA is actively engaged in developing optimization models, the reasons neither is presently using optimization models are summerized as lack of upper management support, lack of qualified personnel in the development and use, inflexibility of many optimization models, and numerous associated problems such as hardware deficiencies. The potential net benefits of optimization are, however, apparently quite large which should encourage such systems operators to utilize these tools.