Enhancing Hydropower Plant Performance: A Modeling Approach to Reservoir Operation

Abstract

One way of improving water management is increasing the efficiency of utilization of dam reservoirs. Even 
small improvement in reservoir operation can lead to large benefits. But there is no universal solution for 
reservoir operation problems. Hence, it is necessary to study the system and determine optimal reservoir 
operation guides for each scheme. In the present study, Melka Wakana Hydropower Plant in Ethiopia has 
been modeled and studied. The tool used was Powersim Simulation software. Mean monthly data of 
reservoir inflow, evaporation rate, recorded energy production; recorded discharge (turbine flow) and 
recorded reservoir elevation were used as time series input data. Different variables and relationships 
between variables were defined along with the constraints. After developing and calibrating the model 
successfully, detailed simulation analysis has been carried out by controlling reservoir releases for 
energy production, taking into consideration; increasing yearly energy production and improving the 
uniformity of monthly energy production. The results of the simulation analyses indicated that the yearly 
energy production was increased by 5.67% while evaporation loss was reduced by 38.33%. But this power 
plant still produces below its design capacity by 12.21%.The uniformity of monthly energy production 
from this plant was also improved. The new reservoir operation guide curve has been developed for the 
optimum energy production from this plant.