Optimal Hydrothermal Scheduling with Cascaded Plants Using Progressive Optimality Algorithm

This paper presents an application of the ´Progressive Optimality Algorithm´ (POA) to the problem of short range optimal hydrothermal scheduling in a power system consisting of ca. caded plants with time delay. Head variation and constraints imposed due to equipment ratings and operating conditions on hydro as well as thermal-electric subsystems have been considered. Electrical subsystem has been represented in detail through ac power flows. Resulbs for a sample 5 bus system consisting of two hydro (cascaded) and two thermal stations clearly reveal the simplicity, effectiveness and distinct superiority of the progressive optamility algorithm over many of the existing techniques. The algorithm requires minimal storage and is extremely fast. It is envisaged thst POA technique would greatly appeal to the utility engineers for practical application.