A Decision Support System to improve production of mini hydropower stations

In a gesture to improve the generation performance of TNB´s mini hydro stations, this project has ventured into managing river water resources through an in-house development of an optimizing tool. A tool, later known as the Decision Support Software (DSS) consists mainly real-time measurement of water level at intake ponds and perform optimization routines based on conservation of mass. Development activities and methodologies for this DSS is further described in his work. A special consideration for station that has multiple units is also addressed. Based on the pioneer implementation at four mini hydro stations, the DSS has demonstrated to be very stable and managed to produce reliable decisions. The annual additional improvement can be expected around 1,500 MWh. This in turn is translated into an annual saving of RM 155,000.