The objective of this two-year U.S.-China research project on optimization of real-time hydrothermal system operation between William Yeh, University of California at Los Angeles and Shiquan Hua, Nanjing Institute of Hydrology and Water Resources, Chinese Ministry of Water Resources and Electric Power is to develop and test an optimization model for efficient power generation in both thermal and hydropower plants. The UCLA group has developed a mathematical model and computer program to study factors and characteristics of the efficient operation of individual power systems. In cooperation with the Nanjing Research Institute group, the model would be studied at a small hydrothermal power system in Guizhou and Sichuan Provinces in Southwest China. U.S. and Chinese investigators will determine jointly the characteristics, relationships and constraints for the hydrothermal system. The Chinese researchers will collect and form the data from the power plant's operating experience; a computer program will be developed and tested at UCLA and at Nanjing; and the optimization model will be tested at field power plants in China. This project is related to the U.S.-China Program's objectives of promoting mutually benefical research to advance scientific knowledge through the combined efforts and abilities of Chinese and American scientists. The joint project will result in a new computerized optimization model which could assist with more efficient operation of hydro and thermal systems in the U.S. and China. Significant benefits such as reduction in fossil fuel consumption and investment required for power plant expansion can be accrued through utilization of this model. The field test site in China is also significant. Opportunities for operations research in the U.S. have been limited. U.S. utilities have made private efforts, but these have been incomplete due to lack of interest and time. Thus, this project offers a unique opportunity to fully test and develop a model at a comparable field site in China.
