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A new kind of advisor for hydro plant operators

Journal Article · · Hydro Review; (United States)
OSTI ID:5662998
 [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. IIT Research Institute, Rome, NY (United States)
  2. ORE International Inc., Falmouth, MA (United States)
  3. Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., Syracuse, NY (United States)
A control system that uses artificial intelligence to optimize operation of several units at a hydro plant may sound futuristic, but is quite feasible today. This system could increase efficiency and power output without affecting the environment or the plant's physical setup. The Hydro Control System promises to be able to assist hydro plant operators in developing optimum choices under the varied constraints typically encountered in hydro operation. The development of heuristic techniques that generate a comprehensive set of optimum solutions has provided the basis for accurate, fast, and effective solutions, even when a complex set of goals and constraints are given. Based on experience with this tool, efficiency improvements on the order of 1 to 5 percent can be expected. And, this improvement does not affect the physical plant or the surrounding environment. The current development underway, which incorporates real-time data collection, an expert system user interface, and the learning element, will make the Hydro Control System a valuable tool.
OSTI ID:
5662998
Journal Information:
Hydro Review; (United States), Journal Name: Hydro Review; (United States) Vol. 11:3; ISSN HYREE8; ISSN 0884-0385
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English