Abstract
Simulink, an extension of MATLAB, is a graphics-based model development environment for system modeling and simulation. Simulink’s user-friendly features, including block (data process) and arrow (data transfer) objects, a large number of existing blocks, no need to write codes, and a drag and drop interface, provide modelers with an easy development environment. In this study, a Tank model was developed using Simulink and applied to a rainfall-runoff simulation for a study watershed to demonstrate the potential of Simulink as a tool for hydrological analysis. In the example given here, the Tank model was extended by two sub-modules representing evapotranspiration and storage-runoff distribution. In addition, model pre- and post-processing, such as input data preparation and results plotting, was carried out in MATLAB. Moreover, model parameters were calibrated using MATLAB optimization tools without any additional programming for linking the calibration algorithms and the model. The graphical representation utilized in the Simulink version of the Tank model helped us to understand the hydrological interactions described in the model, and the modular structure of the program facilitated the addition of new modules and the modification of existing modules as needed. From the study, we found that Simulink could be a useful and convenient environment for hydrological analysis and model development.
Highlights
The rainfall-runoff process is highly nonlinear, time varying, and spatially heterogeneous; hydrological analysis frequently uses simulation models to describe and predict watershed responses to rainfall events based on mathematical and physical knowledge
This study introduced a modular Simulink-Tank model and applied the model to a rainfall-runoff analysis to demonstrate the utility and potential of a graphics-based model development environment, This study introduced a modular Simulink-Tank model and applied the model to a rainfallSimulink
The application results showed that the Simulink-Tank model could be conveniently runoff analysis to demonstrate the utility and potential of a graphics-based model development developed and calibrated, and the calibration model provided acceptable performance in reproducing environment, Simulink
Summary
The rainfall-runoff process is highly nonlinear, time varying, and spatially heterogeneous; hydrological analysis frequently uses simulation models to describe and predict watershed responses to rainfall events based on mathematical and physical knowledge. It is sometimes beneficial to use less complex and less computationally-demanding models, for first-order analyses, for instance, or to run a large number of test cases [10,11] For practical applications, such as risk analysis, the performance of lumped conceptual models may serve as a benchmark for sophisticated models to determine their added value, and their suitability for a particular case [11,12,13]. From this perspective, this paper focuses on lumped hydrological models that approximate general physical mechanisms governing hydrological processes, which may be less demanding in terms of model input [14]
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