Application of artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm in search of optimal release of Aswan High Dam

Abstract

The paper presents a study on developing an optimum reservoir release policy by using ABC algorithm. The decision maker of a reservoir system always needs a guideline to operate the reservoir in an optimal way. Release curves have developed for high, medium and low inflow category that can answer how much water need to be release for a month by observing the reservoir level (storage condition). The Aswan high dam of Egypt has considered as the case study. 18 years of historical inflow data has used for simulation purpose and the general system performance measuring indices has measured. The application procedure and problem formulation of ABC is very simple and can be used in optimizing reservoir system. After using the actual historical inflow, the release policy succeeded in meeting demand for about 98% of total time period. © IOP Publishing Ltd 2013.