Similarity-Based Optimal Operation of Water and Sediment in a Sediment-Laden Reservoir

Reservoir sedimentation is a severe problem because it leads to the loss of reservoir storage capacity. Therefore, the sustainable management of water and sediment constitutes a critical measure in reservoir operation. In this research, a model of similarity-based operation method of water and sediment which can improve the efficiency of reservoir operation strategies is presented. Two parts comprise this method: a similarity-based forecasting model for the sediment process at the dam, and a new operation mode of water and sediment based on the sediment process at the dam. The similarity-based forecasting model is built on the total flow model of water and sediment, which requires less data. Using the similarity among flood cases, the parameters of the model are calibrated by group, and are dynamically selected, an approach which enforces the suitability of parameters and improves the forecasting accuracy. In terms of the sediment process at the dam, the proposed optimal operation model of water and sediment improves the sediment-venting efficiency and saves the water resource. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010