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Gains from joint operation of multiple reservoir systems
Author(s) -
Hirsch Robert M.,
Cohon Jared L.,
ReVelle Charles S.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr013i002p00239
Subject(s) - sizing , mathematical optimization , computer science , joint (building) , process (computing) , function (biology) , water supply , engineering , mathematics , civil engineering , environmental engineering , operating system , art , evolutionary biology , visual arts , biology
Synergistic gains are defined as the gains in benefits due to joint operation of a system of reservoirs in excess of the benefits from optimal individual operation. These gains are a result of both the deterministic (regional) and the stochastic diversity of flows into each of the reservoirs. They are captured by the use of flexible reservoir operating rules which base release decisions for a given reservoir on the state of the entire system, not just on the state of that reservoir. One possible operating rule is formulated and is demonstrated to be highly effective in capturing synergistic gains. A hypothetical design problem of sizing three water supply reservoirs in parallel is solved by three methods. The first method assumes that no synergistic gains are achievable. The second and third methods recognize the existence of such gains. The method recommended here incorporates the operating rule into the design process and makes use of the observation that the system yield is a function of system capacity.