Operational strategies to increase generation of large hydroelectric power plants

In view of environmental concerns, there is increasing awareness on judicious use of natural resources. Large hydroelectric power plants require huge quantity of water for their operation. As a general practice, generating units in a hydroelectric power plant are operated to meet the electrical load demand without consideration of the efficiencies of the units which leads to excess discharge of water. It now needs more attention on optimum utilization of water in hydroelectric power plants. This paper presents the strategic planning for optimal operation of large hydroelectric power plants such that water is conserved. Thus, more power is generated with the same quantity of water.