Numerical tools for the optimization of hydroelectric power stations in cascade

The numerical optimization process of the system of hydroelectric power stations installed on a 60 km long section of the rivers Amblève and Warche in Belgium is presented in detail. The river network is modelled in quasi-2D using real natural topographic data on almost 1,100 finite volumes. In a first step, the hydrological balance is closed using a numerical solver and roughness coefficients are calibrated from water level and discharge field measurements. Secondly, the hydroelectric production is maximised by an automatic calibration of the parameters of the hydrograph released in the network at the upstream dam. This approach leads to a substantial gain in hydroelectric production, brings significant financial benefits and deals with all management and security criteria of the river network.