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We describe a work domain analysis of a hydropower plant that operates in the two independent markets, the electricity market and the irrigation market. Based on the results of a work domain analysis, the authors develop configural displays that represent abstract functions of the hydropower system and that are intended as part of an ecological interface. The displays developed cover three critical segments of hydropower system operations: real time power supply operations, water storage management, and electricity trading. We provide detailed descriptions of the displays and of the expected improvements in control quality caused by the each of the displays.

1Most studies of the human supervisor in the power industry have focused on how the reactor operator monitors the energy source and the containment of radiation and controls thermodynamic cycles, while serving base electricity loads. In contrast, the human supervisor of hydroelectric generation in a dynamic, deregulated, market environment, where control activity is motivated increasingly by market forces, has a surprisingly different role. Our goal in this paper is to note the particularly challenging features of the hydro power plant controller's world, particularly when dealing with a multi-site, multi-storage facility, with complex hydraulic arrangements, large generating units, and a focus on serving peak rather than base loads. We present results of cognitive work analyses that are informing investigations into more effective interface design for hydro scheme control and note challenges in formulating a framework for design.

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