Research on the jointly optimal water-supply operation of a multi-reservoir system in Jinchang City of Shiyang River basin, China

There are three reservoirs providing water for Jinchang City in Shiyang River basin, China. To resolve water scarcity problems, a mathematical model of jointly optimal operation of a multi-reservoir is established, which is based on the minimum amount of water shortage as the aim function. Processes of optimal operation of three reservoirs are calculated according to in out discharge data from 1990 to 2007 using the Genetic Algorithm method. The result indicates that the total amount of water supply reaches 633 hm(3) in Jinchang City through the operation system, the ratio of water shortage decreases from 28.1% to 16.1%. In addition, an ANN model is proposed for optimal operation. Comparing with the Genetic Algorithm method, the ANN model is better, with a smaller simulation error (<8%). The pattern of jointly optimal operation of a multi-reservoir can provide a basis for the optimal allocation of water resources in Jinchang City.