Enhancement of Hydroturbine Operational Flexibility for Powerplant Cost Optimization

Project ID: 8301
Principal Investigator: Ted Bechtel
Research Topic: Improved Power Generation
Priority Area Assignments: 2011 (Climate Adaptation)
Funded Fiscal Years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011
Keywords: None

Research Question

This research project agreement contains intellectual property and therefore this information cannot be displayed here. Intellectual property is information that could be used to create something patentable or licensable if the information is viewed by someone other than the researchers involved with this project. If you wish to obtain more information about this project you must contact the Principal Investigator.

Need and Benefit

This research project agreement contains intellectual property and therefore this information cannot be displayed here. Intellectual property is information that could be used to create something patentable or licensable if the information is viewed by someone other than the researchers involved with this project. If you wish to obtain more information about this project you must contact the Principal Investigator.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Bureau of Reclamation Review

The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.

Powerplant Efficiency Optimization (final, PDF, 54KB)
By Toby Steves
Publication completed on September 30, 2008

This bulletin summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

Not Reviewed

The following documents were not reviewed. Statements made in these documents are those of the authors. The findings have not been verified.

Enhancement of Hydroturbine Operational Flexibility for Powerplant Cost Optimization (interim, PDF, 2.1MB)
By Mr. Matt Fabbri
Report completed on May 30, 2014

This research project explores the question what modifications can be made to powerplant and power system controls to optimize operations and improve overall plant efficiency. To answer this question the report provides an evaluation of the Hydroturbine Operational Flexibility software developed to answer the question. This software running at the Western Area Power Administration's Loveland, Colorado office provides hydropower generation unit setpoint control and automated unit commitment to

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Last Updated: 6/22/20