Darrell G. Fontane
Published: 1982
Total Pages: 42
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This report presents a method combining simulation and optimization techniques to determine guidelines for operating selective withdrawal reservoir structures to meet downstream water temperature objectives. Optimal operation is achieved when operating rules that anticipate future critical temperature conditions are successfully applied. In this study, a one-dimensional reservoir thermal simulation model developed by the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station was used to simulate the thermal stratification cycle of a reservoir. The model was interfaced with a formulation called objective-space dynamic programming (OSDP) to develop the optimal operation strategy for each decision period. The OSDP formulation retains the integrity of the simulation model and minimizes an objective function related to deviations of predicted release temperature from downstream target temperature over a portion of the stratification cycle. Application to a case study shows the potential for using the dynamic programming technique, as compared to the normal period-by-period operation, to improve performance of the system. (Author).