Performance evaluation of differential evolution algorithm in optimum operating of Eleviyan single-reservoir dam system

Optimum operating of reservoir dams is one of the most important challenges in the water resources management. In fact, integrated water resource management is necessary for an optimum and efficient operating of these resources. In this research the performance of differential evolution algorithm is compared with the improved harmony search algorithm and nonlinear programming method in optimized operating of the Eleviyan single reservoir dam on Soofi-chay River which is one of the most important dams in the Urmia lake basin. Considering the vital importance of the ecological flow to prevent the death of Urmia Lake, an optimization model is developed to determine the minimum required ecological flow of the Soofi-chay River, besides to the water flow needs such as the municipal, industrial demands, and also minimizing the water shortage for agricultural targets. The reservoir parameters including reliability, vulnerability and sustainability indicators are used to evaluate the performance of the studied algorithms in an optimal utilization of the reservoir. The results showed that using the differential evolution algorithm gives a higher-performance compared to the other methods employed in this study in efficient operation of the Eleviyan dam system.