Optimization of Reservoir Operation Using Cuckoo Search Algorithm: Example of Adiguzel Dam, Denizli, Turkey

Abstract

The Adiguzel Dam is located in Denizli in the western part of Turkey. It was built for irrigation purposes, but it also produces energy at the same time. The dam’s energy-production regime is not regular since there are no reservoir-operating rules. Thus, this study develops a reservoir optimization rule to generate a corresponding gain in energy production. It is well known that operating a reservoir is a complex problem that depends on many parameters such as inflow, storage capacity, water elevation, tailwater elevation, and evaporation. Therefore, in order to optimize energy production, there is a need to use heuristic algorithms such as the Cuckoo Search (CS). This study develops a CS algorithm-based solution to optimize the reservoir’s operational system and generate an optimal operation rule curve. Results show that the CS algorithm improves the system operation, and the energy production will be increased by about 10% to a value of 160000 MWh with a corresponding economic gain of about $12 × 106in total for 183 months.