Multiple‐Objective Optimization in Water Resource Systems

Abstract

Multiple‐objective optimization problems naturally arise in resource management projects. A chief difficulty with multiple‐objective optimization is that it is no longer clear what one means by an optimal solution. A possible remedy to this situation is to refine the concept of ‘optimal solution’ by introducing the so‐called ‘noninferior solution set.’ Then optimization, in a multiple‐objective context, boils down to determining the set of noninferior solutions. Determination of the noninferior set is facilitated by relating it, in a one‐to‐one manner, to a family of auxiliary scalar optimization problems. For a certain class of problems the entire noninferior set can be obtained by solving the auxiliary scalar problem. This procedure is illustrated by means of a problem that commonly occurs in water resource planning and management.