Optimizing Water-Light Complementary Systems for the Complex Terrain of the Southwestern China Plateau Region: A Two-Layer Model Approach

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article " A two-tier nested optimisation algorithm for water-optical synergistic complementary systems in highland areas under uncertainty conditions" is well written, and have innovation. The study proposes a two-layer model called the IPSO-SOAT model. The outer layer utilizes an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm with enhanced coefficients to address runoff uncertainty, PV uncertainty, and station load allocation. The inner layer introduces a step-by-step optimization algorithm trial run model that optimizes the operating state of hydroelectric units and reduces power allocation in a specific hydroelectric station. The model solves three related problems: calculating system output power, determining the operating state of each unit, and calculating load allocation. The paper conducts a detailed case study on a water-photovoltaic synergistic system in the Southwest China plateau region, highlighting the advantages and adaptability of the two-layer nested model through scenario comparisons.

Additionally, some comments below need to be added to enrich the article.

1-    I suggest you improve the title of the article. I have listed a few examples that you can choose from:

1. "A Two-Layer Model for Optimizing Water-Photovoltaic Synergistic Systems in Southwest China Plateau Region"
2. "Enhancing Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Improved Inertia Weight Coefficients in System Optimization"
3. "Introducing Regional Optimization and Runoff Uncertainty Characterization in Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm"
4. "Robust Optimization Approach for Photovoltaic Uncertainty Characterization in System Optimization"
5. "Minimizing Residual Load Variance in Station Load Allocation using Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm"
6. "Optimizing Hydroelectric Unit Operation using Step-by-Step Optimization Algorithm Trial Run Model"
7. "Load Allocation Optimization in Hydroelectric Stations based on Two-Dimensional Coding Strategy"

2-    Browse more research in the introduction section. It is necessary to move Fig 1-2 to Research Methodology Sec.

3-    Please correct the writing errors and the English language of the article. Spelling errors can be seen in it. (such: Research methodology and …)

4-    In the Research Methodology have some typo: In Error! Reference source not found … , describe the algorithm used in this section.

5-    Please double check relation 2, there are errors in it.

6-    Replace old references. Read the following articles and use them. 10.1016/j.renene.2022.11.006 ; 10.1007/s40095-022-00503-7

7-    Include comparison and validation and innovation aspects specifically in the conclusion section.

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Please correct the writing errors and the English language of the article. Spelling errors can be seen in it. (such: Research methodology and …)

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript “A two-tier nested optimisation algorithm for water-optical synergistic complementary systems in highland areas under uncertainty conditions” presents a two-layer nested optimization algorithm for water-light cooperative complementary systems in plateau regions under uncertain conditions. The study establishes a two-tier nested model for planning, design and operation and an economic operation module designed to address the difficulties of renewable energy consumption and power abandonment caused by the characteristics of renewable energy sources. This manuscript comprehensively considers runoff uncertainty, photovoltaic uncertainty, power plant load distribution and other factors to optimize the operation state of hydropower units and reduce the distribution capacity. Taking the water-light complementary system in the southwest plateau region as an example, it proves the superiority and flexibility of the two-layer nested model. This manuscript can be published in “Sustainability” after major revision. The issues that should be considered are as follows:

1. There are many formatting errors in the manuscript. For example, in the first paragraph of the introduction, the quote is invalid. This shows a remarkable lack of rigor in the manuscript. Authors are advised to proofread their manuscripts carefully.

2. The authors should provide more details on the specific improvements made to the particle swarm optimization algorithm in the outer layer of the model.

3. The manuscript should explain how to determine the uncertainty characteristics of runoff and PV in the model, and how these uncertainties affect the optimization results.

4. The trial run model of the stepwise optimization algorithm should be explained in more detail in the manuscript, especially the two-dimensional coding strategy of the hydroelectric unit.

5. What specific scenarios were compared in the case study, and how did the two-tier nested model demonstrate its benefits and flexibility?

6. Should the manuscript consider that the model can be extended to different upland areas and renewable energy systems? How does the model adapt to different environments?

7. Suggest that the authors provide more information on the potential economic and cost-effectiveness of implementing the proposed model in real-world scenarios?

8. The explanation of Fig 17 is not clear enough, and the labeling of Fig 17 is not clear enough.

9. The article's explanation of robust optimization is not very clear. It is suggested to explain this modeling method in detail.

10. The introduction to 3.3 is too rough to be understood and is suggested that this part be revised.

11. The organization of the conclusion is not good enough. It is suggested to revise the conclusion.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The grammar of the manuscript needs to be revised.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

this shape of manuscript is ready for publication 

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

All comments have been revised. I suggest that it be published on Sustainability.