Optimal Operation of Reservoir Systems Considering the Water Quality: Application of Stochastic Sequential Genetic Algorithms

Abstract

In this study, an algorithm combining a water quality simulation model and a stochastic conflict resolution GA-based optimization technique is developed for determining optimal reservoir operation rules. This new GA-based stochastic optimization model can easily incorporate the inherent uncertainty of reservoir inflows. The utility functions of the proposed model are developed based on the reliability of water supply to downstream demands, reservoir volume, and water quality in the reservoir and withdrawn water. A water quality simulation model is also developed to simulate the thermal stratification cycle and the reservoir discharge quality through selective withdrawal structure. The proposed model is applied to the 15-Khordad Reservoir in the central part of Iran. The results show that the proposed model can reduce the salinity of allocated water to different water demands and the salinity build-up in the reservoir. The developed operating rules can reduce the average salinity of the releases of the reservoir more than 90 mg/L.