Evaluation of Power Generation Efficiency of Cascade Hydropower Plants: A Case Study

Abstract

Effective utilization of scarce water resources has presented a significant challenge to respond to the needs created by rapid economic growth in China. In this study, the efficiency of the joint operation of the Three Gorges and Gezhouba cascade hydropower plants in terms of power generation was evaluated on the basis of a precise simulation-optimization technique. The joint operation conditions of the Three Gorges and Gezhouba hydropower plants between 2004 and 2010 were utilized in this research in order to investigate the major factors that could affect power output of the cascade complex. The results showed that the current power output of the Three Gorges and Gezhouba cascade complex had already reached around 90% of the maximum theoretical value. Compared to other influencing factors evaluated in this study, the accuracy of hydrological forecasts and flood control levels can have significant impact on the power generating efficiency, whereas the navigation has a minor influence. This research provides a solid quantitative-based methodology to assess the operation efficiency of cascade hydropower plants, and more importantly, proposes potential methods that could improve the operation efficiency of cascade hydropower plants.

Dynamical Control Model of the Cascaded Kainji-Jebba Hydropower Operating Head

“…To solve the optimal control problem that will maximise the energy generation in the two stations, the problem must be properly posed in a standard form (Robert & Michaud, 2011;Zheng, Fu, & Wei, 2013).…”

The Future of Swiss Hydropower - A Review on Drivers and Uncertainties

“…Though this typically leads to short-term profit setbacks (Hernández et al 2011;Zheng et al 2013) it also contributes to long-term profitability by avoiding damage to the HP infrastructure. Moreover, it may have a positive effect on the public acceptance of HP plants that provide these services so far without any payment.…”

Harmonious Allocation Model of the River Diversion Standard under Synchronous Construction of Hydropower Stations

“…Fan [3], Rasekh [4], Afshar [5], Xue [6] et al, in allusion to the river diversion of the independent hydropower station, employed different methods to evaluate the risk of the diversion system and link the development of the diversion standard with system risk. Lu [7], Huang [8], and Zheng [9] aimed at the operation of cascade hydropower station, studied the mutual effect in hydrological regime, sedimentation, fish assemblage, power generation. On this basis, some scholars proposed optimizing the river diversion through flow-control of upstream reservoir.…”