Optimization of Dam Operation and Interaction with Groundwater: An Overview Focusing on Greece

Abstract

The optimization of dam operations to transform them into multi-objective facilities constitutes a challenge for both hydrology, hydrogeology, and hydropower generation. However, the use of the optimal algorithm for such transformation is critically important. Additionally, the literature has highlighted that dams might negatively influence the recharge of groundwater. Within this study, we provide an overview of the available algorithms for the optimization of dam operations. Additionally, an overview focusing on hydropower generation in Greece illustrates the high potential of the Mediterranean region for hydropower generation and the application of MAR. The water quality of the reservoirs is also highlighted as a critical parameter. Within this study, we present indices for water quality monitoring in dam reservoirs, while the most prevailing index is the SRDD. This study constitutes a guide for researchers in choosing the optimal tools for the optimization of dam operations and the water quality monitoring of reservoirs. The present study suggests a meta-heuristic optimization methodology using the harmony search algorithm. The model uses a geometric model of the reservoir and calculates the level–supply curve. Furthermore, a multi-criteria optimization model was developed with two objective functions: the maximum power output from the hydroelectric power plant turbines and the optimal groundwater recharge. The model with appropriate parameter modifications can be applied to any small dam as it is a decision- and policy-making methodology, independent of local conditions. A further step is the application of these approaches dealing with field data and the numerical modeling of case studies. The interdisciplinary approach of this study links deferent aspect and scientific perceptions, providing a comprehensive guide to optimal water resource management and environmental sustainability.

Groundwater Depletion. Are Environmentally Friendly Energy Recharge Dams a Solution?

“…A second scenario was applied including more theoretical dams for future MAR application. The application of MAR and the construction of small dams are in accordance with the proposals of previous studies [29,45] as well as official management plans. Papageorgakis and Koumantakis [46] first reported the necessity of protecting groundwater reserves in the Eastern Thermaikos Gulf in 1978.…”

“…A flow chart of the methodological approach is given in Figure 2. It is worth mentioning that this study is part of a wider project named GRe-coDAM and various data sets from this project have been presented analytically in previous publications [28][29][30][31]. Firstly, the optimal codes to simulate the interactions between groundwater and surface water were determined as Modflow-NWT and ArcSwat as these constitute the dominant approaches in the existing literature.…”

“…The ArcSWAT simulations obtained for the Eastern Thermaikos Gulf and Mouriki basin sites have been presented in previous research papers [28,30], while this study presents the simulation for the Marathonas basin. Hence, input was available for the dams and a code for hydropower optimization was developed as presented by Karakatsanis et al [29]. The current work presents the results of the dam simulations, as well as the groundwater simulations, mapping of depletion zones, and simulation of future conditions under the application of MAR.…”

“…The dam optimization code introduced by Karakatsanis et al [29] was used in this study to optimize the hydropower generation of the existing dams in the study areas. The geometrical characteristics were obtained from previous studies [32].…”

Two-Stage Stochastic Scheduling of Cascaded Hydropower–Wind–Photovoltaic Hybrid Systems Considering Contract Decomposition and Spot Market

“…In this situation, the complementary operation of RESs with flexible dispatchable power sources like thermal and hydropower systems can help power systems accommodate the fluctuations in non-dispatchable generation and accept larger amounts of wind and solar power [5,6]. Among these flexible dispatchable power sources, hydropower is preferred as a good power source that can compensate for the variability in wind and photovoltaic power, with the advantages of providing a fast response to load variability, robustness in response to weather fluctuations, friendly environmental effects, and energy storage in reservoirs [7,8]. Therefore, it is essential to study the complementary operation of hydropower-windphotovoltaic hybrid systems to realize large-scale renewable energy integration and the economic and safe operation of power systems [9,10].…”