A genetic algorithm modelling framework and solution technique for short term optimal hydrothermal scheduling

A genetic algorithm is applied to the problem of determining the optimal hourly schedule of power generation in a hydrothermal power system. A multi-reservoir cascaded hydroelectric system with a nonlinear relationship between water discharge rate, net head and power generation is considered. The water transport delay between connected reservoirs is also taken into account. The main control parameters that affect the genetic algorithm performance are discussed and a summary of the theoretical basis of the genetic algorithm method is presented. It is shown that a multiple step genetic algorithm search sequence can provide the optimal hourly loading of the system generators