Artificial Life Algorithm for Management of
Multi-reservoir River Systems
Water Resources Management, 26 (5):
1125--1141 (2012)DOI: 10.1007/s11269-011-9950-7
Abstract
The design and operation of civil engineering systems,
particularly water resources systems, has been pursued
from the perspective of minimizing costs and related
negative impacts, maximizing benefits, or a combination
thereof. Due to the complex, nonlinear nature of the
majority of systems, together with an increase in
digital computing capabilities, global search
algorithms are becoming a common means of meeting these
objectives. This paper employs an artificial life
algorithm, derived from the artificial life paradigm.
The algorithm is evaluated using standard optimization
test functions and is subsequently applied to determine
optimal dam operations in multi-reservoir river
systems. The optimal dam operation scheme is that which
indirectly minimizes environmental impacts caused by
short-term water level fluctuations. Optimal releases
are sought by coupling an artificial life algorithm
with FLDWAV, a one-dimensional, steady flow simulation
model. The resulting multi-reservoir management model
is successfully applied to a portion of the Illinois
River Waterway.