Optimization of Hydro Power Plant Design by Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)

Hydro power generation is considered one of the best among other commercial power generation techniques due to a number of advantages. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) has received increased attention in many research fields recently. In the present paper, particle swarm optimization technique, a relatively new technique for hydro power plant has been applied for the optimization of benefit cost ratio. Considering various cost factors and revenue generation of hydro power plant benefit cost ration has been determined which comes out to be well above unity, a qualifying criteria for economic viability of hydro power plants. This analysis of benefit cost ratio has been carried out based upon direct costs and revenue generated from thereof. However, indirect benefits of hydro power plants have not been taken into consideration in this paper.