Status of Water Resource Systems Analysis.
Abstract
Although progress has been made in simulating the physical operation of water resource systems, challenging problems still remain. Primarily, these are multi-objective evaluations of physical output and application of operations research techniques. Conflicting and complementary output functions, stochastic input functions, complex physical, legal and social constraints, and system nonlinearities pose technical difficulties. Development of an optimum plan of water resources management requires the integration of objectives, such as economic efficiency, environmental protection, ecological management, and social well-being; necessarily, these objectives must be related in terms of a common denominator, or unique objective function. Effective application of operations research techniques, such as linear or dynamic programming, is hindered by the extreme complexity of water resource systems; nonlinearities and interrelationships that change with time and location make optimization particularly difficult. At present, a gradient type of optimization based on detailed system simulation is most useful. Needed is a more realistic and highly sophisticated systems simulation model, capable of accommodating systems of any configuration, inputs, and demand criteria, and containing a framework for operating the system that is sufficiently flexible to respond to all needs. Advances are most promising in analyzing internal interactions of water resource systems and their impacts on objective functions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- ADA104915
Entities
People
- Leo R. Beard