167. OPERATING MODES OF COMPLEX HYDROPOWER SYSTEMS

Abstract

The paper presents the methodology of operation modes for hydropower plants (conventional and pump storage) in a complex hydroenergy system. Operation involves water management in generating and/or pumping mode of hydropower units taking into accounts technical characteristics of the power plants facilities (turbine/generator and pump/motor systems), reservoirs characteristics considering all hydraulically connected infrastructures, as well as the hydrological conditions (for run offs and turbine inflows). The purpose of the operating mode for the entire hydro­power system is to maximize financial profits from electricity generation, taking into account market electricity prices, electricity needs, with respecting the technical requirements and of course avoiding or minimizing overflow. Operating regimes depend on the electricity market price, the tariff models and the duration of each tariff (base, peak), the tech­nical characteristics of the units and the hydrological conditions. The model application is presented at the hydropower Complex on the Crn Drim river with existing construction and new facilities that can be upgraded in the future. The results are presented for long-term and short-term planning of the system operation under various technical and hydrological conditions. The model can be used to perform preliminary analyses in order to improve hydroenergy systems with additional installed capacity of the existing system. Selected outputs are presented with appropriate comparisons and conclusions.