Optimal operation of basin-based tidal units equipped with hydro-pumps

Due to their clean nature, high capacity and accurate predictability, the basin-based tidal units can be integrated into bulk power systems. The major problem of these units is the high investment cost of barrage construction, and so, among different renewable resources, these units are less developed. For making the tidal barrages cost-effective, new methods should be implemented to increase their produced power that results in the reduction of electricity price. For this purpose, this study suggests new techniques for optimally operating tidal units equipped with hydro pumps. Here, to increase the produced power and energy of the tidal units, at each time, the number of turbines, sluices and hydro-pumps is optimally determined to yield the maximum produced energy of the generation unit using the particle swarm optimization method. For satisfying the effectiveness of the suggested approach, the optimal operation of a tidal unit installed on the estuary of Bacanga is done and the impact of optimal dispatching of the turbines, sluices and hydro-pumps on produced energy of the unit is studied. It is deduced from numerical results that the generated energy of the plant during 24 h is increased by 17% with the implementation of the proposed operation plan.

Automated summary

This study proposes new techniques to optimize the operation of tidal units, resulting in increased power and energy production. The implementation of the proposed operation plan using particle swarm optimization method leads to a 17% increase in generated energy.