Page 52 - DCAP601_SIMULATION_AND_MODELING

Simulation and Modelling

Notes 3.2 Simulation of Water Reservoir System

Introduction

Reservoir storage is essential to regulate highly variable water flows for more steady uses like
municipal and industrial water supply, irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and navigation.
Usually, the water drawn from a reservoir is used at a much slower (and constant) rate than the
rate and constancy of the water flowing into the reservoir (see Figure 3.2). Reservoir modelling
has naturally been employed to assist size reservoir storage capacities, launching operating
policies, assessing operating plans, administering water allocations, developing management
strategies, and real-time operations.

Figure 3.2: Inflow and Outflow Hydrograph

The basic prerequisite for adequate illustration of a reservoir is employment of the continuity
equation, or conservation of volume over a period of time. This is a function that communicates
dynamically with the existing state of the reservoir. The foundational equation for preservation
of volume is:

The term “Reservoir System Operations” points to the practice of preserving and supervising a
reservoir for multiple purposes, under dynamic conditions. The word “system” is used due to
the complexity inherent in the operations of a usual reservoir or network of reservoirs. The state
of the reservoir system is frequently in flux, requiring dynamic methods of simulation to
estimate and model them. The term “Reservoir System Operations Model” refers to a computer
program used for simulating and optimizing changes in storage, water deliveries, and flood
control for one or numerous reservoirs.
Time and again, the purpose of the reservoir operation is to balance the control of flood storage
and preserve reliable water supply. Operational procedures are diverse for flood events than
what are employed under water scarce conditions and thus, the model must be tailored for these
changing conditions.

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