Optimum management of cyclic storage systems: A simulation–optimization approach

A semidistributed system dynamics simulation model was coupled with a genetic algorithm to develop a novel simulation-optimization approach for conjunctive water use management. The proposed simulation–optimization method uses the concept of cyclic storage systems as a framework to solve conjunctive use problems. As a highly sophisticated conjunctive use template, a cyclic storage system includes two major subsystems: surface water and groundwater. In this research, the dynamic behavior of a cyclic storage system was simulated using system dynamics methodology. The real-world case study chosen was Kineh Vars Reservoir and its irrigating area, located downstream of the Abhar Rud watershed in west-central Iran. Operating rules for the system were optimized to satisfy water demands over a planning period of 40 seasons, minimizing the total costs of system construction, operation, maintenance, and elements replacement.