Integration of deep learning and improved multi-objective algorithm to optimize reservoir operation for balancing...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Hydrology
• Ecology

Background:

• Dam operations significantly alter downstream flow and water temperature, impacting aquatic ecosystems and fish habitats.
• Balancing reservoir operations for hydropower and ecological needs presents complex challenges.
• Existing strategies often lack a comprehensive analysis of trade-offs between economic and ecological objectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multi-objective ecological scheduling model for reservoir operations.
• To simultaneously consider hydropower generation, ecological flow, and ecological water temperature demands.
• To analyze the trade-offs between competing objectives in reservoir management.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a hybrid Long Short-Term Memory and 1D Convolutional Neural Network (LSTM_1DCNN) for dam discharge temperature simulation.
• Developed an improved epsilon multi-objective Ant Colony Optimization for Continuous Domain (ε-MOACOR) algorithm.
• Applied an integrated multi-objective simulation-optimization (MOSO) framework to the Three Gorges Reservoir.

Main Results:

• LSTM_1DCNN demonstrated superior performance in predicting dam discharge temperature compared to other models.
• Prominent conflicts exist between economic (hydropower) and ecological objectives.
• The ε-MOACOR algorithm effectively resolved conflicts and showed high efficiency in optimization tasks.
• The MOSO framework generated pragmatic Pareto-optimal solutions for various hydrological years.
• Increasing discharge or uneven discharge distribution improved the ecological water temperature guarantee index.

Conclusions:

• The developed multi-objective ecological scheduling model provides a robust framework for balancing reservoir operations.
• The LSTM_1DCNN and ε-MOACOR models offer advanced tools for ecological simulation and optimization.
• Reservoir operation strategies must integrate ecological water temperature considerations for sustainable management.
• Optimized reservoir operations can mitigate negative environmental impacts while supporting hydropower benefits.