Improving Water Delivery System Operation Using Training Simulators

Abstract

The use of graphical‐display training simulators is presented as a means of enhancing efficiency in operating multi‐reservoir water delivery systems. Water delivery systems of this type include municipal water supply systems and irrigation water delivery systems (ditch companies). As a stand‐alone tool, the training simulator can improve human operational performance. However, a coupling of human operational capabilities and mathematical programming techniques may also be beneficial. The mathematical programming technique called aggregate state dynamic programming (ASDP) explicitly draws upon the knowledge base of the system operator. Augmentation of that knowledge base is possible through the use of graphical‐display training simulators to obtain improved operating rules for spatial allocation of water. The dynamic programming component of ASDP handles the temporal allocation. A case study is presented to display the application of the procedure and to provide direct comparisons against human operational performance.