Reservoir Optimization-Simulation with a Sediment Evacuation Model to Minimize Irrigation Deficits

Importance of existing reservoirs for supplying fresh water has increased significantly due to population increase and enhanced living standards, while the reduced development of new reservoirs in recent decades has made it even more pertinent that the current battery of reservoirs be operated in a sustainable and efficient manner. In order to move a step towards the goal of sustainability, sediment evacuation must be considered when optimizing a reservoir’s operations. The Reservoir Optimization-Simulation with Sediment Evacuation (ROSSE) model is a recently developed tool which internalizes sediment evacuation routines and the simulation module in a newly developed GA-based optimization module. This article applies the ROSSE model with the aim of minimizing irrigation shortages in the Tarbela Reservoir, Pakistan. The article also calculates the suitable values of various GA parameters required to run the model through a sensitivity analysis. Simulation results of three sets of rule curves—one existing and two optimized sets—are compared with each other for parameters like irrigation shortage, power generation, sediment evacuation and flood dis-benefits (damages). It is found that the optimized rule curves of scenario 1 reduce the irrigation shortages by 39 % while the optimized rule curves of scenario 2 can reduce the irrigation shortages by 24 % of that of the shortages by existing rule curves. The optimized rule curves of scenario 2 also ensure the current level of hydropower generation and sediment evacuation for the Tarbela reservoir. The study recommends a change in the reservoir’s existing rule curves in order to reduce irrigation shortages. The incorporation of the sediment evacuation routine and availability of economic and hydro based objective functions in the optimization model will help achieving the goal of sustainability.