Optimizing hydro generation: Success stories in South America

Even with the growing adoption of other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, hydroelectric power still plays the leading role, and its generation efficiency has an impact on the use of non-renewable sources. While new powerplants increase generation capacity, efforts also need to be made to maintain and increase efficiency at existing installations. This paper discusses the optimization methods applied at three projects in South America, through their primary or secondary control systems.