Coordinated Optimization at a Hydro Generating Plant by Software Agents

TL;DR

This paper presents a software agent-based architecture for optimizing power production in hydro plants, integrating rule-based control, external constraints, and coordination of multiple units to improve efficiency and operational goals.

Contribution

It introduces a novel software agent framework for hydro plant optimization, capable of handling constraints and coordinating multiple units within existing control systems.

Findings

Successful implementation of a rule-based agent for single-unit optimization

Extension of the system to include external constraints like river level and flow

Coordination of multiple hydro units at a single site achieved

Abstract

The architecture is developed for incorporating a software agent into the existing control system of a river-based hydro generating plant. The software agent will utilize a rule-based system for ease of integration. Optimization for increased power production is presented, initially for a single generating unit. An enhancement to facilitate the constraints of river level and flow by an external user as well as the goals of corporate dispatching is then developed through the existing SCADA system. Finally, expansion to coordinate multiple hydro units at a single location is presented.