Application of the Harmony Search optimization algorithm for the solution of the multiple dam system scheduling

During the last few years Harmony Search Algorithm (HSA), a new optimization technique, has been used effectively in solving large scale problems. In this paper along with a brief presentation of HSA, an application on classic Dam Scheduling problem is presented. This application concerns the optimum operation of a four‐reservoir system over 24 hours. The water released from each dam is used for hydropower generation and irrigation. The objective is to maximize the daily benefits gained from the reservoir system over 12 (two‐hour) time steps. Two programs were created in order to optimize this particular problem using Visual‐Basic and MATLAB respectively. Both programs converged successfully to optimum management, and their main characteristics and results, are presented. The comparison between them reveals some interesting differences regarding their efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to show the potential of HSA and prove its efficiency to optimize complex optimization problems successfully. Major findings of the present paper are the 15 different solutions leading to the same global optimum. These 15 variations of the optimum management practices comprise all possible solutions, as it is proven, and they are detected for the first time ever.