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An improved methodology for short‐term operation of a single multipurpose reservoir
Author(s) -
Simonovic Slobodan P.,
Burn Donald H.
Publication year - 1989
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/wr025i001p00001
Subject(s) - inflow , horizon , reliability (semiconductor) , term (time) , time horizon , variable (mathematics) , function (biology) , computer science , petroleum engineering , mathematical optimization , engineering , mathematics , geology , mathematical analysis , power (physics) , oceanography , physics , geometry , quantum mechanics , evolutionary biology , biology
The existence of several problems associated with the short‐term operation of multipurpose reservoirs has been demonstrated in the past. A principal difficulty arises from uncertainties inherent in the prediction of future stream flows which are required to effect the requisite reservoir operation. It has been shown that the performance of the reservoir operation, as determined by an optimization model, is a function of the operating horizon. This results from the existence of a relationship between the operating horizon and both the reliability of the inflow forecasts and the reservoir operation. With an increase in the length of the operating horizon, the reliability of the forecasts will necessarily decrease. However, the reservoir operation model yields an improved operation on the assumption that the forecasts are accurate. An improved methodology is presented which considers the operating horizon as a decision variable which can change in real time. The optimal value of the operating horizon is selected based on the trade‐off between more reliable inflow forecast for shorter horizons and better reservoir operation associated with the use of longer operating horizons. The benefits of the new methodology are illustrated through an application of the technique in simulating the operation of Green Reservoir in Kentucky.