Real-Time Operation of Reservoirs during Flood Conditions Using Optimization-Simulation with One- and Two-Dimensional Modeling

Flooding is a critical issue around the world. The objective of this chapter is to define a strategy for the real-time determination control gate operation of a river-reservoir system. This is accomplished through the development of an optimization-simulation model by interfacing simulation software for rainfall forecasting, rainfall-runoff modeling (HEC-HMS), and a one and two-dimensional unsteady flow model (HEC-RAS) interfaced with a genetic algorithm within MATLAB. This new optimized model can be utilized to manage the reservoir release schedules before, during, and after an extraordinary rainfall storm event causing flooding through optimal gate operations. Through real-time observations and optimal gate controls, downstream water surface elevations are controlled to avoid the exceedance of threshold flood levels in target cells to minimize the damage and direct effects both up and downstream. An example application of the optimized simulation model illustrates the value of the overall approach.