Optimum management of cyclic storage systems: A simulation–optimization approach

Abstract

A semidistributed system dynamics simulation model was coupled with a genetic algorithm to develop a novel simulation–optimization approach for conjunctive water use management. The proposed simulation–optimization method uses the concept of cyclic storage systems as a framework to solve conjunctive use problems. As a highly sophisticated conjunctive use template, a cyclic storage system includes two major subsystems: surface water and groundwater. In this research, the dynamic behavior of a cyclic storage system was simulated using system dynamics methodology. The real‐world case study chosen was Kineh Vars Reservoir and its irrigating area, located downstream of the Abhar Rud watershed in west‐central Iran. Operating rules for the system were optimized to satisfy water demands over a planning period of 40 seasons, minimizing the total costs of system construction, operation, maintenance, and elements replacement.