Solving economical operation problem of basin cascade plants based on bi-level coupling genetic algorithm

Bi-level coupling algorithm which is based on the improved genetic algorithm was proposed in this paper. Its upper-level module was designed to solve the load optimal distributing problem among the cascade hydropower plants and its lower-level module was designed to solve the generator group optimal-uniting problem among the generators in a hydropower system. This algorithm has advantages in getting the optimal operation schemes of the load distribution, as well as the generator group unitization at the same time. By using a practical basin cascade plants as an example, the results show that the software can carry on rational and optimal decision to the producing operation schemes. The Bi-level coupling algorithm has higher practical value in hydropower system management.