Optimizing Conduit Hydropower Potential by Determining Pareto-Optimal Trade-Off Curve

Abstract

In numerous locations of bulk water supply/distribution systems, energy is dissipated by pressure-reducing devices, whereas it could be recovered by means of turbines or pumps as turbines. These pipe systems, owned and operated by municipalities, water utilities, large water-consuming industries, and mines, could be used as a source of renewable sustainable energy. However, the exploitation of these systems presents several issues related to the complexity of the operational optimization of the hydropower generation facilities and to the potential negative impact on the reliability of the system itself. We have developed a novel procedure to optimize the energy generation in such a conduit system by assessing the interrelationship of storage volumes, demand patterns, operating cycles, and electricity tariff structures. The procedure is a multi-objective genetic algorithm designed to provide a solution to maximize electricity generation and thus revenue and to minimize the risk involved in supplying the demand. A Pareto-optimal trade-off curve is set up, indicating the potential benefit (revenue) versus the reliability index (supply security). The results indicate that a Pareto-optimal trade-off curve was generated from which a solution could be selected which would improve the weekly revenue by up to 7.5%, while still providing a reliable water supply system.

Streamflow Analysis in Data-Scarce Kabompo River Basin, Southern Africa, for the Potential of Small Hydropower Projects under Changing Climate

“…Furthermore, the region has not been spared the effects of climate change, which has a direct influence on the FDC. Many studies have relied on the use of the FDC to estimate hydropower generation potential and the design of water supply schemes as a convention where required data are available [20][21][22][23][24]. However, in cases where the required data are scarce under a changing climate, it becomes vital to find other useful alternatives for derivation of the FDC for the recent past and the future period.…”