Real-time management of river systems by using a hydrodynamic model with optimisation

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this research a Real-Time hydrodynamic optimisation model of the Orange-Fish-Sundays River (OFS) system which uses real-time data in order to forecast release hydrographs, is evaluated. The OFS system stretches over three catchment areas in the Eastern Cape namely Great Fish, Little Fish and Sundays Rivers. The OFS supplies water from the Orange River through a 800 km system of canals, tunnels, dams and rivers to registered water users in this area.In order to cope with increasing pressures on water saving, water demand, water quality and dam safety, the Department of Water Affairs implemented this Orange Fish Sundays-Real Time (OFS-RT) system to calculate the optimal water flow, by running customised Danish Hydraulic Institute (DHI) MIKE11 software. The system utilizes an optimisation module that evaluates the simulated outcome at seven water release structures (dams, weirs and tunnels). Then during the optimisation process performs more adjustments to reach the objectives of the system to obtain the forecast release hydrographs.This OFS-RT model aims at target based objectives, using:(i) Hydras real-time field data of dam water levels, river flows and water quality from the area sent to the control office main computer at four hourly intervals via SMS and(ii) abstractors weekly water requests.This system takes irrigation and domestic demand into account as well as water quality, evaporation, rainfall, dam levels, dam safety, instream flow requirements and tributary flow. In order to manage the water flows through the OFS system the OFS-RT model forecasts the release hydrographs and uploads the predictions to a website to smooth operational procedures. The target outcomes were tested and evaluated during this research and it was found that the OFS- RT model succeeded in delivering release forecasts for the seven control structures to manage the OFS system. This research proved that management of river systems by using a real-time hydrodynamic model with optimisation is a useful tool for the optimal utilisation of water resources.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University