Optimization of Maintenance Scheduling for Generator Units in Hydroelectric Power Plants Using Ant Colony Optimization

Efficient scheduling of generator maintenance is crucial to ensure the reliability and availability of a power generation system. However, the complexity of these tasks, along with the specific regulatory constraints, this process is challenging for large Brazilian hydro plants. In this context, this article presents an approach based on Ant Colony Optimization to optimize the maintenance schedule of generator units in a hydroelectric power plant, considering regulatory aspects related to the Availability Factor. The objective is to determine the optimal timing for the maintenance of each generator unit within an annual timeframe with daily discretization.