Planning for uncertainty in coupled power-water distribution networks

The water and power networks are heavily interdependent. The water network requires power for extraction, treatment, and distribution processes. The power network requires water for thermoelectric generation, i.e., cooling and emissions scrubbing, as well as fuel extraction and processing. By and large, these networks are operated independently, but there is a growing body of research beginning to demonstrate the benefits of operating these networks jointly. In this talk, I will describe our research to develop operational planning and real-time control strategies for coupled water-power distribution networks under uncertainty. Specifically, we formulate chance constrained and robust optimization problems that simultaneously determine water pumping schedules along with the parameters of real-time control policies that can be used to respond to water and power demand forecast errors. We show how the water network can help the power network manage voltage deviations resulting from intermittent solar PV production and provide frequency regulation to the bulk power network, while satisfying the water demand and the physical constraints of both networks. This is joint work with Anna Stuhlmacher.