Application of an Optimization/Simulation Model for the Real-time Flood Operation of River-Reservoir Systems with One and Two-Dimensional Unsteady Flow Modeling
Abstract An application is presented of a new methodology for the real-time operation of flood control reservoir gate control operations of river-reservoir systems to minimize flooding. The methodology is based upon an optimization/simulation modeling approach that interfaces optimization with a one and/or two-dimensional unsteady flow simulation model (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers HEC-RAS). The approach also includes a model for short-term rainfall forecasting and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers HEC-HMS model for rainfall-runoff modeling. Both short term forecasted rainfall in addition to gaged streamflow data and/or NEXRAD (Next-Generation Radar) can be implemented in the modeling approach. The optimization solution methodology is based upon a genetic algorithm implemented through MATLAB. The application is based upon the May 2010 flood event on the Cumberland River system in the USA, during which releases from Old Hickory dam caused major flooding downstream area of Nashville, Tennessee area. One of the major features of the modeling effort and the application presented was to investigate the use of different unsteady flow modeling approaches available in the HEC-RAS) including one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and the combined (1D/2D) approach. One of the major results of the application was to investigate the use the different unsteady flow approaches in the modeling approach. The 2D unsteady flow modeling is based upon the diffusion wave approach was found to be superior for the application to the Cumberland River system