Mathematical models for reservoir operation in Tunisia

Abstract

A genetic algorithm model has been developed and applied to solve a planning problem of optimum allocation of water resources within a complex reservoir system. The specific conditions of the surface water resource utilization in Tunisia, exemplified in a 10-reservoir case study system (Louati 2005 thèse de doctorat en sciences agronomiques “Spécialité: Génie rural eau et forets”, Inat, Tunis, Tunisie), have required that the allocation of the available resources be analyzed considering both the quantity as well as salinity of supply. Therefore, the analyses included resource allocation optimization under the assumption of five different objective functions reflecting the relationship between the two supply criteria. In addition, the obtained solutions under the five objective assumptions have further been assessed across a range of system performance indicators. This step has proven essential in obtaining a more comprehensive insight into the operation of the system under the different objectives.