A simulation-optimisation methodology for designing the operation of emergency reservoirs in the Hungarian Tisza basin

Abstract

This work reports the results of an investigation of reservoirs that were selected in Hungary in the framework of a new flood control strategy for the River Tisza, the largest tributary of the River Danube. Through a comprehensive analysis the optimal operation mode was identified, which would need to be applied to achieve the maximum decreasing effect on peak water levels. The flood waves were simulated using a 1D hydrodynamical model, which is based on the Saint-Venant equations. Both measured and synthetic discharge data were used as boundary conditions. The time lead as compared to the flood peak was determined for the reservoir system. On the Upper-Tisza the figures exceed the order of magnitude of the possible time lead of the realistic forecast, meaning that further research of the reconditioned discharge forecast is necessary. The investigation results of the interaction of two reservoirs showed that the sum of the decreasing effects on water levels when separated reservoirs work independently approac hes the decreasing effect of the jointly operating reservoirs reasonably well. Therefore the joint impacts can be estimated using quick linear programming methods.