Development of a Sample Multiattribute and Multireservoir System for Testing Operational Models

Abstract

Reservoir systems are built to deliver multiple functions, such as water supply, energy production, flood control, recreation, and fisheries protection in a safe, economic, and efficient manner. This paper presents a sample three-reservoir system with comprehensive physical and hydrologic characteristics. The sample reservoir system considers energy production, water supply, and recreational and flood-control objectives. The results from the operation of this paper’s reservoir system under four different scenarios show that this system’s characteristics and structure conform well with actual reservoir operational processes. The reliabilities associated with meeting reservoir-operation objectives were calculated for the sample reservoir system for the four operational scenarios, ranging from independent reservoir operation with single objectives to integrated reservoir operation with multiple objectives. The results show acceptable ranges of reliability for the three objectives considered under each operational scenario. The sample reservoir system can be used to test a wide range of optimization models that are commonly used in reservoir operation.