Nonlinear optimization of instream flow requirements for hydropower projects

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:219935

Bao, Y; Asce, M; Sale, M J ^[1]

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1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)

Calculating instream flow requirements (IFR) is a critical step in determining project feasibility for small-scale diversion projects. IFR is the amount of water that is released at the diversion for protection of aquatic resources in the bypassed reach. A general problem with instream flow studies is that the existing habitat evaluation models generate a lot of numbers, but no good systematic ways of processing data exist, especially when tradeoffs between power and habitat need to be examined. A nonlinear optimization model (IFROPT) has been developed to calculate the IFR that maximizes instream habitat values for fish at various life stages while balancing the flow needs for hydroelectric power generation and other resources such as terrestrial, recreational, and visual resources. Compared to more traditional approaches, the optimization model provides decision makers with a systematic toot to evaluate large data sets of flow and habitat relationships and to find the most beneficial IFR values.

• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 219935
• Report Number(s): CONF-9507190--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
DIAGRAMS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FISHES
FLOW RATE
HABITAT
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
OPTIMIZATION
STREAMS
WASHINGTON