Godoy, W. R (2015) Multi-Objective Optimisation of Water Resources Systems: a Shared Vision. PhD thesis, Victoria University.

Abstract

Water resources systems are operated for many uses such as for municipal water supply, irrigation, hydro-electric power generation, flood mitigation, storm drainage, and for recreation. Water resources systems may also serve as places of cultural and spiritual significance. Decision-making in this context is inherently multicriterial, often requiring multi-disciplinary participation with a view to seeking an optimal solution or, at best, a compromise between conflicting interests for water. Water resources planning involves a thorough understanding of not only the quantitative aspects such as the volumes of water harvested and released from reservoirs but also of the qualitative factors that underpin the shared vision for the operation of water resources systems for the benefit of all stakeholders. The aim of this study was to develop a structured multi-objective optimisation procedure for the optimisation of operation of water resources systems considering climate change. For this purpose, the integration of quantitative and qualitative information of water resources systems was achieved using a combined multi-objective optimisation and sustainability assessment approach as part of a three-phase procedure. This procedure was tested through the preparation of optimal operating plans for a case study of the Wimmera-Glenelg Water Supply System (WGWSS), assuming a range of hydro-climatic conditions. The WGWSS is located in north-western Victoria in Australia and is a multi-purpose, multi-reservoir system which is operated as a single water resources system; with many possible combinations of operating rules.

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