River Basin Simulation Model Research Articles

Quantity–quality-based water allocation programming in a reservoir–river system

Abstract Simulation–optimization approaches are useful methods for the assessment of water resource engineering plans and finding the best management policy at the watershed scale. In this study, to find the optimum operation for a reservoir with the purpose of satisfying water demands while meeting the water quantity and quality criteria, a generic reservoir and river basin simulation model (MODSIM) is coupled with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm leading to construct the PSO–MODSIM model. With the decision variables of the reservoir's monthly releases, the objective function is to maximize the supply for downstream demands while keeping the electrical conductivity (EC) in the river flow lower than a predefined level at the downstream checkpoint, which is a function of the EC in the agricultural return flows. Moreover, a safe flow rate is defined in which the streamflow should not exceed at the checkpoint resulting in mitigation of the submerging lands damage. Results obtained by the PSO–MODSIM model indicate the ability of the proposed simulation–optimization approach for solving the problem of optimal quantity–quality-based water allocation in a reservoir–river system. For instance, the EC at the checkpoint is decreased by 61% in the optimum reservoir operation state comparing the present situation, whereas the municipal and environmental demands are fully met and the agricultural demands are supplied with a desirable reliability satisfaction level.

Performance Assessment of a Coupled Particle Swarm Optimization and Network Flow Programming Model for Optimum Water Allocation

Water resources allocation problems are mainly categorized in two classes of simulation and optimization. In most cases, optimization problems due to the number of variables, constraints and nonlinear feasible search space are known as a challenging subject in the literature. In this research, by coupling particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and a network flow programming (NFP) based river basin simulation model, a PSO-NFP hybrid structure is constructed for optimum water allocation planning. In the PSO-NFP model, the NFP core roles as the fast inner simulation engine for finding optimum values for a large number of water discharges in the network links (rivers and canals) and nodes (reservoirs and demands) while the heuristic PSO algorithm forms the outer optimization cover to search for the optimum values of reservoirs capacities and their storage priorities. In order to assess the performance of the PSO-NFP model, three hypothetical test problems are defined, and their equivalent nonlinear mathematical programs are developed in LINGO and the results are compared. Finally, the PSO-NFP model is applied in solving a real river basin water allocation problem. Results indicate that the applied method of coupling PSO and NFP has an efficient ability for handling river basin-scale water resources optimization problems.

Assessment of the Impact of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Performance of the High Aswan Dam

A Large scale hydropower dam known as Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is under construction on the Blue Nile River just upstream of the Ethiopian-Sudan border in Ethiopia. The GERD has an active storage capacity of more than 60,000 Mm3 and is anticipated to produce 6000 MW of hydropower energy. The aim of this study was to assess the potential impact of the dam on the performance of the High Aswan Dam (HAD) during filling and operation phases using a simulation model using Mike Basin river basin simulation model. The results indicate the planned 6 years filling period is sufficient to fill the reservoir with little impact on the current irrigation water demands from HAD in Egypt without additional management investment. There will be about 12% and 7% of reduction of annual energy output from High Aswan Dam during the filling and after filling stage of GERD respectively. Cumulative Energy production from the two dams will increase significantly Water loss at HAD due to evaporation will decreases by 22%. Overall performance of HAD during and after filling of the GERD remains at a reliability level of 96%. The study advises to utilize the results cautiously as it is based on only one historical realization of the many possible scenarios that may evolve in the future.

Integrated river basin planning and management: a case study of the Zayandehrud River basin, Iran

This study applies the concept of integrated water resources management (IWRM) to a river basin in Iran, and in so doing, proposes a framework for implementing IWRM principles. Issues such as stakeholder participation, sustainability in several subdomains, scenario analysis, dispute resolution, climate change and well-designed models have been considered. Through a river basin simulation model (RIBASIM) and sustainability criteria, stakeholders made decisions for improving the level of sustainability in the basin. The result of decision making for the future was tested under climate change impacts, and the outputs showed serious challenges, so a strategy is proposed for overcoming these impact effects.

PSO-MODSIMP: Optimization-Simulation Model for Optimal Design and Operation of Multireservoir Hydropower Systems

Application of simulation-optimization models to the problem of optimal design and operation of multi-reservoir hydropower systems with control on the reliability of meeting the system’s energy yield could be a suitable approach to solve the resulting mixed integer nonlinear, nonconvex optimization model. An optimization-simulation model has been developed in this study by integrating MODSIM river basin simulation model and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. First, the possibility of defining an energy demand-node and applying a hydropower standard operating policy (HSOP) in MODSIM was provided. Then the extended simulation model (MODSIMP) was linked to the PSO algorithm with the objective function of maximization of the net benefit from the system’s design and operation over its projected life period. In the developed model, each objective function evaluation of PSO is performed by running MODSIMP. Analysis of the PSO-MODSIMP model results was done through its application to the problem of optimal design and operation of the Khersan multireservoir hydropower system as a real case study. Computational efficiency of the MODSIMP in simulating the operation of multireservoir hydropower systems and the flexibility of the PSO algorithm in considering the model nonlinearity has provided a promising modeling tool in tackling the problem of optimal design and operation of multi-reservoir hydropower systems.

ECOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS THROUGH FOOD CHAIN IN RIVER BASIN UNDER CHEMICAL EXPOSURE

Since the traditional river basin assessment has not been employed from the ecological viewpoint, the sound river basin management was not completed. In this paper, introducing the concepts of food chain, benthic organisms, and fishes for ecological system, the river basin simulation model based on physical dynamics of discharge and toxic-chemical is proposed. The sustainability of aquatic organisms and the accumulation impacts of toxic-chemicals in fish bodies are considered through CASM and PBPK. Finally, the Kamo River in Kyoto, Japan, is applied for verification.

Estimating resource costs of compliance with EU WFD ecological status requirements at the river basin scale

Summary Resource costs of meeting EU WFD ecological status requirements at the river basin scale are estimated by comparing net benefits of water use given ecological status constraints to baseline water use values. Resource costs are interpreted as opportunity costs of water use arising from water scarcity. An optimization approach is used to identify economically efficient ways to meet WFD requirements. The approach is implemented using a river basin simulation model coupled to an economic post-processor; the simulation model and post-processor are run from a central controller that iterates until an allocation is found that maximizes net benefits given WFD requirements. Water use values are estimated for urban/domestic, agricultural, industrial, livestock, and tourism water users. Ecological status is estimated using metrics that relate average monthly river flow volumes to the natural hydrologic regime. Ecological status is only estimated with respect to hydrologic regime; other indicators are ignored in this analysis. The decision variable in the optimization is the price of water, which is used to vary demands using consumer and producer water demand functions. The price-based optimization approach minimizes the number of decision variables in the optimization problem and provides guidance for pricing policies that meet WFD objectives. Results from a real-world application in northern Greece show the suitability of the approach for use in complex, water-stressed basins. The impact of uncertain input values on model outcomes is estimated using the Info-Gap decision analysis framework.

Does the Limpopo River Basin have sufficient water for massive irrigation development in the plains of Mozambique?

This paper verifies whether the water resources of the transboundary Limpopo River Basin are sufficient for the planned massive irrigation developments in the Mozambique part of this basin, namely 73,000 ha, in addition to existing irrigation (estimated at 9400 ha), and natural growth of common use irrigation (4000 ha). This development includes the expansion of sugar cane production for the production of ethanol as a biofuel. Total additional water requirements may amount to 1.3 × 10 9 m 3/a or more. A simple river basin simulation model was constructed in order to assess different irrigation development scenarios, and at two storage capacities of the existing Massingir dam. Many uncertainties surround current and future water availability in the Lower Limpopo River Basin. Discharge measurements are incomplete and sometimes inconsistent, while upstream developments during the last 25 years have been dramatic and future trends are unknown. In Mozambique it is not precisely known how much water is currently consumed, especially by the many small-scale users of surface and shallow alluvial groundwater. Future impacts of climate change increase existing uncertainties. Model simulations indicate that the Limpopo River does not carry sufficient water for all planned irrigation. A maximum of approx. 58,000 ha of irrigated agriculture can be sustained in the Mozambican part of the basin. This figure assumes that Massingir will be operated at increased reservoir capacity, and implies that only about 44,000 ha of new irrigation can be developed, which is 60% of the envisaged developments. Any additional water use would certainly impact downstream users and thus create tensions. Some time will elapse before 44,000 ha of new irrigated land will have been developed. This time could be used to improve monitoring networks to decrease current uncertainties. Meanwhile the four riparian Limpopo States are preparing a joint river basin study. In this study a methodology could be developed to estimate and safeguard water availability for those users who under the law do not need registration – but who do need water.

Consequences of supply and demand management options for integrated water resources management in the Jabotabek‐Citarum region, Indonesia

In peri‐urban areas competition among domestic, municipal, industrial and agriculture water use is strong and calls for identification of alternatives to bridge the widening gap between required and available water resources. In this study, the RIver BAsin SIMulation (RIBASIM) model is applied to explore the potentials of five demand and two supply water management options to improve water allocation in a peri‐urban region in order to meet both rural and urban water needs. The Citarum river basin and the adjoining urbanized Jabotabek region in Indonesia are used as a case study. The analysis indicates that the considered demand management options are able to satisfy future urban water demand of the Jabotabek region taken into account agricultural water requirements. All analyzed options share the requirement for an accurate monitoring of the regional water balance and improved information management, while some require additional modification of land use (management). The paper discusses briefly the costs and other implications associated with implementation of the various management options. The presented analysis contributes to the transparency of the debate on local water scarcity problems and provides decision‐makers with quantitative information on water allocation problems in densely populated regions with competing sectors.

CalSim: Generalized Model for Reservoir System Analysis

The California State Department of Water Resources and the United States Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region have developed a general-purpose reservoir–river basin simulation model for the planning and management of the State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project. The California Water Resources Simulation Model brings a fundamental change to modeling of these systems. Model users specify system objectives as input to the model. System description and operational constraints are specified using a new water resources engineering simulation language. A mixed integer linear programming solver efficiently routes water through the system network given the user-defined priorities or weights. Simulation cycles at different temporal scales allow for successive layering of constraints. The power and flexibility of the model is demonstrated by its ability to simulate the operation of complex new environmental water accounts.

Algorithms for water resources distribution in international river basins

This paper provides algorithms for water resources distribution among riparian countries in international river basins. The algorithms are based on selected keys and arguments for sharing. water, which are supported by different interpretations of the relevant international law principles. The main objective of the paper is to derive and test algorithms for water resources distribution based on selected criteria such that water is not double counted and water is distributed as fairly as possible, taking into account the availability of both blue and green water. The algorithms are applied to the Zambezi case, in which the internal water resources are simulated using a river basin simulation model (STREAM). A comparison of the results shows that different algorithms appear to perform better in different river basins, depending on where the availability of resources is concentrated. Furthermore it appears that in river basins where most of the water is generated in upstream countries, green water can have a significant effect on the distribution of blue water.

WATER RESOURCES ALLOCATION BASED ON NETWORK FLOW PROGRAMMING

Abstract The Water Rights Analysis Package (WRAP) is a generalized river basin simulation model for evaluating water availability within the framework of a prior appropriation water rights system, such as the permit system recently implemented in Texas. WRAP is used to evaluate water supply reliabilities for permitted water users and unappropriated streamflows available for additional permit applicants. The historic hydrologic period-of-record is simulated using a monthly computational time step. For each monthly interval, a network flow programming algorithm allocates streamflow and reservoir storage resources in accordance with water rights. The model is generalized for application to river/reservoir systems of essentially any configuration. WRAP and its application to the Brazos River Basin illustrate the use of network flow programming in modeling the allocation of a limited water resource to numerous users within a complex institutional setting.

Shortage Indices for Water-Resources Planning in Taiwan

Water shortage is a major socioeconomic problem facing society today. From the viewpoint of water-resources planning, an effective water-shortage index should capture such basic characteristics as its frequency, intensity, and duration. Moreover, a shortage index should serve as an indicator of the social tolerance limits to water shortage. A well-designed water-shortage index plays an important role in water-resources planning and management, particularly in conducting feasibility studies associated with system-capacity expansion. The main purpose of this study is to develop a generalized shortage index (GSI) by modifying other water-shortage indices that are currently utilized in Japan and the United States. The proposed GSI not only incorporates the basic shortage characteristics, but also emphasizes the consequential socioeconomic impacts of water shortage. By using historical streamflow records, projected future water demands, and a river-basin simulation model, a methodology is developed to analyze ...

Environmental impacts of climate change and water development in the Indus delta region

Abstract The prospect of global warming raises particular concern in delta regions, many of which are already experiencing severe environmental strain as the result of human activity. This paper considers the potential environmental effects of climatic change and water development in the delta region of Pakistan's Indus River Basin. The impact assessment is conducted using regional output from a river basin simulation model of the Indus Basin. Potential changes in river inflows to the delta, canal diversions and groundwater balance are evaluated under a range of climate change and water development scenarios. The paper also explores possible environmental impacts not included in the modelled evaluation, and discusses policy implications of the assessment results.

Operational Planning for California Water System

A detailed river basin simulation model has been developed by the California Department of Water Resources to simulate the combined operation of two major water project systems in California, namely the Central Valley Project (CVP), operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and the State Water Project (SWP), operated by the California Department of Water Resources. The simulation model developed provides the necessary flexibility to analyze a wide range of assumptions for various planning alternatives. A major feature of the model is to allow proper sharing of Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta inflows between the CVP and SWP to meet Delta water quality outflow requirements as well as respective project export needs. Many model features are incorporated so the model can be used to analyze the effect of various alternatives of future surface reservoirs, changes in cross Delta transfer proposals, proposed ground-water reservoirs, and many other proposed system changes. The range of model capabilities is described along with some example studies.

ANALYSIS OF FIRM WATER SUPPLY UNDER COMPLEX INSTITUTIONAL CONSTRAINTS1

ABSTRACTRiver basin computer simulation studies often do not properly include the complex legal and institutional factors governing water allocation. These factors include formal water rights and informal borrowing agreements among the basin water users. An attempt has been made in this study to show that such factors can be included. We also show that an optimal, integrated approach to reservoir operations in a river basin can do much to alleviate the burden of new demands placed on available water resources. The procurement of a firm water supply for a proposed coal fired power plant is analyzed as a case study. An efficient river basin simulation model is used to determine the viability of a scheme for providing an annual firm water supply to the plant, with consideration of the existing water storage and demands within the basin. Given the hydrologic sequence considered, the model results show that the proposed strategy is viable in that the required firm water supply can be realized without causing harm to decreed water users in the basin. However, integrated diversion and reservoir operations are required to assure a desirable uniform rate of delivery of reusable effluent to the power plant.

RECREATIONAL ENHANCEMENT OF HIGH COUNTRY WATER SUPPLY RESERVOIRS1

ABSTRACT: There is considerable misconception about the dangers of opening to a recreating public in great need of additional open areas. A systematic procedure for identifying the factors essential to the selectio, planning, and management of reservoirs for recreation is described. A detailed case study conducted by an interdisciplinary project team is presented to demonstrate the feasibility fo maintaining storage levels in recreation‐conductive high country reseroirs without unduly injuring downstram water users. The idea is to trade water with reservoirs having less recreation potential. The optimal means of doing this is found via a river basin simulation model with quasi‐optimizing capability. Results of the case study show that this strategy is indeed feasible. Applicable to other areas may require analysis of tradeoffs if at least some damage to downstream users is unavoidable.