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A method is presented for optimal load dispatch in large-scale hydropower plants using a genetic algorithm integrated with simulated annealing. The genetic algorithm overcomes dependence on an initial value and provides parallel processing and fast convergence, whereas simulated annealing prevents prematurity and retrieving of the local instead of the global optimum. Thus, the integrated genetic-simulated annealing algorithm improves efficiency and robustness to obtain solutions close to the global optimum. We evaluated the proposed algorithm to determine the optimal load dispatch of 32 units of the Three Gorges Hydropower Plant in China. Test results show that the minimum water consumption obtained using the proposed algorithm is similar to the optimum obtained from a previously proposed "improved" genetic algorithm when the total load of the plant is relatively high. However, for reduced load, the proposed algorithm clearly outperforms the "improved" genetic algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project is important for China. Any sudden water pollution accident along the route would threaten normal water supply. We studied four technologies (hydrodynamic and water quality simulation, source identification, emergency regulation, and evaluation of emergency measures) and developed and implemented a decision support system that provides technical support in managing pollution accidents. The achievements, which include four technologies and a system, have practical significance for emergency management in the Middle Route as they can help deal with accidents and policy formulation, and can be applied to other water transfer projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes and tests a new approach to detect and analyze changes in flood regime using a distributed hydrological model (EasyDHM), using the Second Songhua River basin, China, as a case study. Model calibration and parameter sensitivity were used to represent flood regimes in a 60-year series (1954-2013), with three different flood regime periods identified. The changes in flood regime were estimated by model parameters, flood result residuals and the overall process in the hydrological model in the three periods. The results show that human activities significantly impacted flood regimes, with significant flood regime change largely attributed to increases in water storage in multiple small reservoirs. Flood volume was reduced significantly between the periods in all three watersheds. The parameters also changed in variety between the periods. The study highlights the importance of incorporating data on small-reservoir constructions in flood control systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flash floods cause extensive loss of property and human life. Early warning systems present a more efficient approach to flood prevention and mitigation than engineering measures. This article reviews research on flash flood early warnings in China, including long-term prediction methods based on statistical regularity and flood mechanisms, and real-time warning indicators relying on multi-source data and automated systems. Current research shortcomings are discussed, and suggestions for future improvements are proposed. This research can provide public officials with knowledge of flash flood early warnings, influencing policy and protecting people from flash flood disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Danjiangkou Reservoir is the source reservoir of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (MRP). Any sudden water pollution accident in the reservoir would threaten the water supply of the MRP. We established a 3-D hydrodynamic and water quality model for the Danjiangkou Reservoir, and proposed scientific suggestions on the prevention and emergency management for sudden water pollution accidents based on simulated results. Simulations were performed on 20 hypothetical pollutant discharge locations and 3 assumed amounts, in order to model the effect of pollutant spreading under different reservoir operation types. The results showed that both the location and mass of pollution affected water quality; however, different reservoir operation types had little effect. Five joint regulation scenarios, which altered the hydrodynamic processes of water conveyance for the Danjiangkou and Taocha dams, were considered for controlling pollution dispersion. The results showed that the spread of a pollutant could be effectively controlled through the joint regulation of the two dams and that the collaborative operation of the Danjiangkou and Taocha dams is critical for ensuring the security of water quality along the MRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies the driving forces behind maximizing Tianjin’s industrial water use efficiency in China. For this purpose, a decomposition method is developed to quantify the degree of the impact of each factor. The results show that industrial expansion was responsible for an increase in annual water use of 78 million m³, while technical advances and water efficiency measures contributed annual water savings of about 76 million m³. Further, the results highlight that Tianjin has not considered the rise in water efficiency to be the primary goal of restructuring local industries over the past decade. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]