Customer Environment
The Panama Canal system consists of six locks connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. The locks are operated using fresh water from two seasonal reservoirs: Lake Gatun and Madden Lake. Each reservoir includes a small power plant, 24 MW and 36 MW respectively, with a total of nine generating units.

Challenge
ACP was already equipped with advanced weather and inflow forecasting technologies. Nevertheless, to improve water management and to increase the power generation without compromising navigation, a decision support system was required.

Solution
In 2001, ACP contracted Hatch to implement the Vista DSS^TM software for the Panama Canal system.
Vista DSS^TM is used by ACP for short-term operations as well as mid- and long-term planning. Moreover, analytic studies can be conducted to determine the water use capabilities and the resulting probability of meeting the navigational flow requirements.

Hatch’s work included:

• Review of all physical characteristic data for reservoirs, locks, control structures and hydro facilities
• Development of reference hydrology
• Integration with SCADA information systems installation of seven Vista DSS^TM modules. The modules are used in conjunction with the National Weather System River Forecast Model
• Training of operations staff

The implementation of Vista DSS^TM was completed in July 2002. It is installed on one terminal of the Operations Center, Hydrology Department and is used primarily by operations staff. An upgrade was delivered in 2006.

Client Benefits
ACP is now using Vista DSS^TM to produce decision guidance for water releases and hydroelectric generation. More specifically, the use of Vista DSS^TM allows ACP to maximize navigation flows over the long term while optimizing hourly dispatch of the generating units in the system.