Optimal gamma based fixed head hydrothermal scheduling using genetic algorithm

The short-term hydrothermal scheduling is a daily planning proposition in power system operation, a task which is usually more complex than the scheduling of all-thermal generation system. The traditional methods have become inadequate to handle large scheduling problems and tend to be ineffective in terms of their computational speed, robustness and accuracy. Alternative strategies have thus become an imminent necessity and intelligent techniques appear to suit the complex scheduling problems. This paper presents a novel optimal gamma based scheduling algorithm for fixed head hydrothermal problems using genetic algorithm. It includes the simulation results of four test cases with a view to highlight its superior performance and suitability for easy implementation, irrespective of the problem size.