Optimization of reservoir management and operation with hedging rules

This research develops a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model that considers simultaneously both the traditional reservoir rule curves and the hedging rules to manage and operate a multipurpose, multireservoir system. During normal periods of operation, when inflows are plentiful, this optimization model efficiently distributes the available stored water from different reservoirs to meet the planned demands imposed by competing users. However, during periods of drought, or when anticipating a drought, the planned demands cannot be fully met, and a water shortage occurs. By considering the hedging rules along with the rule curves, guidelines are provided for reservoir releases. To minimize the impact of drought, the hedging rules effectively reduce the ongoing water supply to balance with the target storage requirement. The MILP model is applied to a multireservoir system in the southern region of Taiwan, where the results obtained demonstrate the applicability and utility of the model.