Operation Rules Optimization of Cascade Reservoirs Based on Multi-Objective Tangent Algorithm

Jie Li,Eid Gul,Zhiqiang Jiang,Zhendong Zhang,Hui Qin,Shaoqian Pei,Yongqiang Wang,Li Mo,Longjun Zhu,Liqiang Yao

doi:10.1109/access.2019.2948939

Abstract

Obtaining optimal operation rules for cascade reservoirs is crucial for making the most of the comprehensive benefits of reservoirs. However, the operation of cascade reservoirs is generally complex, which involves with challenges including various decision variables, multiple conflicting objectives and constraints. In this paper, a new algorithm named multi-objective tangent algorithm (MOTA) is proposed for optimizing operation rules of cascade reservoirs with the objectives of hydropower generation, ecology and navigation. The performance of MOTA is firstly validated through several well-known benchmark problems. Then it is applied to a case study of cascade reservoirs optimization in China’s Pearl River. Using observed inflow data (1956–2015) of cascade reservoirs, a uniform Pareto front is obtained eventually via MOTA after 1000 generations. The optimal operation rules fully considers the comprehensive benefits of hydropower generation, ecology and navigation in China’s Pearl River. The optimal operation rules can be used as a guidance tool for decision makers, through the objectives’ tradeoff without having to embed a priori preferences in the decision process. Finally, this paper use observed inflow data (2016) of cascade reservoirs for examining the operational rule to comprehend the analysis under different optimal operation rules. The obtained results show that MOTA can be a viable alternative for generating optimal operation rules for cascade reservoirs planning and management.

Highlights

Dam and reservoir systems often serve multiple purposes, such as flood control, hydropower generation, ecology and navigation [1]
Major contributions are outlined as follows: (1) The model established in this paper considers the comprehensive benefits of eleven hydropower stations in the Pearl River System, which mainly focus on the benefits of hydropower generation, ecology and navigation
It is complex to obtain optimal operation rules for cascade reservoirs, which involves with challenges including various decision variables, multiple conflicting objectives and constraints

Summary

Introduction

Dam and reservoir systems often serve multiple purposes, such as flood control, hydropower generation, ecology and navigation [1]. The operation of reservoirs involves a complex decision making process that strives to balance many (often conflicting) objectives of different reservoir benefit [2], aiming mostly at the quantification of uncertainty inflow and the optimization of water allocation [3]. Numerous optimization models have been employed to generate operation rules for dam and reservoir systems [8]. These models include linear [9], nonlinear [10], stochastic [11] and other concepts, which have been suggested to develop optimal operation rules for dam and reservoir systems to allocate the proper amount of water released according to current reservoir storage and inflow while considering reservoir systems objectives and constraints [12]

Methods

Results

Conclusion