Optimal Reservoir Flood Control Operation Using a Hedging Model and Considering the Near-Field Vibrations Induced by Flood Release

Several researchers have extensively investigated the flow-induced vibrations caused by flood release because numerous structures have been destroyed by such release. Nevertheless, none of the previous research has considered vibration safety during flood control operation. In this study, a hedging scheduling model considering the near-field vibrations induced by flood release and hydrological uncertainty is proposed to optimize the discharge process. The dispatch model was applied to the Xiangjiaba reservoir due to the reservoir’s classic problem of near-field vibrations induced by flood release. The measured root-mean square (RMS) data for the acceleration in the vertical direction of near-field vibrations were used to summarize safety constraints. The vibration safety discharge ceiling was determined according to field test records and was regarded as an operational safety constraint for the dispatch model. Based on this innovative safety constraint, this paper demonstrates the development of an optimal dispatch model for reservoirs by considering forecast uncertainty. The proposed strategy utilizes storage capacity to optimally allocate the gap between the expected flood volume and vibration safety discharge capacity (GBEV) in the discharge process. Optimal flood control operation considering the near-field vibrations induced by flood release falls into four categories, with each category corresponding to one optimal operation strategy. The solution set to this model can provide decision support for reservoirs with similar flood-induced vibration problems and optimize the power output of hydropower stations.