Optimal operation of interbasin water transfer multireservoir systems: an empirical analysis from China

The optimal operation of an interbasin water transfer multireservoir system (IWTMS) is more complicated than a general one-basin multireservoir system because water release and water transfer occur simultaneously. Previous studies primarily employed reservoir zoning and rule curves to deal with the relationship between reservoir water release and water transfer, and the operating priorities for water release and water transfer are established by decision-makers. However, these priorities may be somewhat subjective and result in suboptimal operation of the entire system. To overcome this shortcoming, a genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization model was developed to endeavor to get the optimal operation of an IWTMS. The optimization model consists of a GA and a simulation process based on water balance equation, and was applied to a typical IWTMS in Rizhao City, Shandong Province, China. The results showed that the GA was effective and efficient on solving the optimization problem of IWTMSs, and the reliability of the system’s water supply increased from 70.6 to 88.4% due to water transfer and could increase further to 96.4% by implementing optimization.