Water release policy of large reservoir with considerable infiltration losses

The paper deals with planning and operation problems of the Orlovac hydroelectric system. The analysis is based on the control process of the Busko Blato reservoir as a key object. Operation planning of the Busko Blato reservoir is specific since the natural inflows of this reservoir are only slightly greater than its infiltration losses. The losses depend on reservoir water elevation that depends on water release policy and on very changeable natural inflows. The paper presents a model defining the control strategy of the Busko Blato reservoir, which would guarantee minimum infiltration losses and maximum power gains, at the same time respecting the established power demands and technical constraints. This is obtained on the basis of the calculated optimum desirable levels of the Busko Blato reservoir. The analysis has shown that it could be possible to increase electric power generation for 28% in relation to the present state