Fast convergence optimization model for single and multi-purposes reservoirs using hybrid algorithm

Developing optimal operation policy for single or multi-purposes dams and reservoirs is a complex engineering application. The main reasons for such complexity are the stochastic nature of the system input and slow convergence of the optimization method. Furthermore, searching optimal operation for multi-purposes or chain reservoir systems, becomes even more complex because of interfering operations between successive dams. In this study, a new hybrid algorithm has been introduced by merging the genetic algorithm (GA) with the krill algorithm. In fact, the proposed hybrid algorithm amalgamates the advantages of both algorithms, first, the ability to converge fast for global optimum and, second, considering the effect of stochastic nature of the system. Three benchmark functions were used to evaluate the performance of this proposed optimization model. In addition, the proposed hybrid algorithm was examined for Karun-4 reservoir in Iran as an example for a hydro-power generation dam. Two benchmark problems of hydropower operations for multi-purposes reservoir systems, namely four-reservoir and ten-reservoir systems were considered in the study. Results showed that the proposed hybrid algorithm outperformed the well-developed traditional nonlinear programming solvers, such as Lingo 8 software.