Scientists from Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU-NETI) have developed a methodology for optimizing the operating modes of hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) as part of the water management complex based on a synergetic approach. The proposed approach makes it possible to coordinate the interests of different water users, increase the efficiency of using water resources and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
As Tatiana Mutezh, Associate Professor of the Department of Power Supply Systems at NSTU-NETI, Candidate of Technical Sciences, notes, hydroelectric power plants play a special role in water management complexes, which not only generate electricity, but also regulate river flow, preventing floods and providing water supply in low-water periods. However, water resources management is complicated by the conflict of interests of different water users. For example, hydropower is interested in accumulating water in reservoirs during the navigation period for subsequent power generation, while shipping and fisheries require maintaining stable water levels to ensure safe movement of vessels and create optimal conditions for fish reproduction. In addition, a stable water level is important for the preservation of the ecosystem of the reservoir.
According to the expert, the irrational use of water resources and errors in the management of water management complexes lead to economic losses and environmental degradation. It is necessary to develop new methods for optimizing the operating modes of HCCs that take into account the interests of all water users. The purpose of the work carried out at NSTU-NETI is to create a methodology that aligns the interests of energy, shipping and ecology to improve the energy efficiency of water management systems.
"An important aspect of our work is to determine the synergetic value of water resources, which reflects their complex value for energy, economics and ecology. This approach makes it possible to optimize the modes of filling and operating reservoirs, increasing the efficiency of HPPs without prejudice to other industries. We paid special attention to natural accumulators of water, such as river floodplains, which can accumulate water during high water and release it during low—water periods, increasing the flow to hydroelectric power plants and increasing their production," said Tatiana Mutezh.
According to the scientist, there is no unified approach to determining the synergetic cost of a water resource in the existing methods. The scientists of NSTU-NETI proposed to optimize the operating modes based on the calculation of the cost of a hydro resource, taking into account the specifics of the operation of hydroelectric power plants. To achieve this goal, methods of water-energy analysis were used to determine the modes of filling and operating reservoirs, calculate the guaranteed capacity of hydroelectric power plants, optimize the modes of operation of hydroelectric power plants, as well as the Pareto optimal set and profit maximization criterion.
The scientific novelty of the research lies in the development of original methods: calculating guaranteed capacity, determining marginal costs and using indifference curves to balance the interests of water users. During the calculations, the optimal output of the Novosibirsk HPP as part of the HCK was obtained. Using these methods and the profit maximization criterion based on the equality of marginal incomes and marginal costs, it is possible to justify the prices of HPP electricity based on the optimal volume of its production. The developed approach makes it possible to justify electricity tariffs at a given output volume, as well as to solve the reverse problem — to determine the optimal level of power production at a given tariff. The use of guaranteed capacity indicators makes it possible to comprehensively optimize not only the operation of HPPs as part of a mixed power system, but also the entire HC, taking into account the interests and limitations of all participants.
The data obtained by the scientists of NSTU-NETI is confirmed by the example of the Novosibirsk hydroelectric power station. The proposed methodology can be used to increase energy efficiency, ensure environmental sustainability and comply with non-energy requirements during the operation of hydraulic structures. It has the potential to improve the management of water management systems and to be integrated into strategies for the sustainable development of the water sector.