Optimization-Simulation Modeling of Sustainable Water Resource

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Water Resources Management, Policy and Governance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 1609

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College of Information, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
Interests: intelligent computing; water resources optimization; combinatorial optimization algorithm
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Dear Colleagues,

Optimization–simulation modeling for sustainable water resources is a systematic approach to exploring sustainable water resource management options through modeling and simulation and evaluating model performance. This approach can provide decision support for the management and planning of water resources and provide clear data and information that are more reliable, accurate, and trusted.

In the field of sustainable water resources management, the optimization–simulation modeling approach covers the following main areas:

  1. The planning and management of water resources: through the simulation of various models and scenarios, the feasibility and sustainability of water resource utilization plans can be assessed and the best options can be determined.
  2. The scheduling of water resources: By establishing dynamic scheduling models of hydropower plants and reservoirs, optimal control and scheduling can be achieved to ensure the rational use and supply of water resources.
  3. The allocation of water resources: after simulation, the optimal water resource allocation scheme can be determined to realize the fair and reasonable allocation of water resources and the maximum benefit.
  4. The management of the water environment: through the construction of water ecosystem and water quality models, simulation analysis, and prediction, a better water environment management plan can be formulated.
  5. Disaster management: by constructing models of floods, droughts, and geologic hazards, disaster risks can be assessed and response plans can be formulated to reduce the impacts of disasters.

In conclusion, through the optimization–simulation modeling methodology, the in-depth analysis and optimal design of water resource systems can be undertaken to ensure the development and management of sustainable water resources.

Dr. Zhaocai Wang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • water resources management
  • sustainable development of water resources
  • optimization models
  • simulation modeling
  • water planning
  • water scheduling
  • water allocation
  • water environment management
  • disaster management
  • decision support systems

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

29 pages, 7329 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Water Quantity Allocation in Multi-Source Urban Water Supply Systems Using Graph Theory
by Jinxin Zhang, Xinhai Zhang, Hanze Li, Yazhou Fan, Zhenzhu Meng, Dan Liu and Suli Pan
Water 2025, 17(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17010061 - 29 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 649
Abstract
The optimization of urban multi-source water supply systems is essential for addressing the growing challenges of water allocation, cost management, and system resilience in modern cities. This study introduces a graph-theory-based optimization model to analyze the structural and operational dynamics of urban water [...] Read more.
The optimization of urban multi-source water supply systems is essential for addressing the growing challenges of water allocation, cost management, and system resilience in modern cities. This study introduces a graph-theory-based optimization model to analyze the structural and operational dynamics of urban water supply systems, incorporating constraints such as water quality, pressure, and system connectivity. Using Lishui City as a case study, the model evaluates three water allocation plans to meet the projected 2030 water demand. Advanced algorithms, including Floyd’s shortest path algorithm and the GA-COA-SA hybrid optimization algorithm, were employed to address constraints such as pipeline pressure, water quality attenuation, and nonlinear flow dynamics. Results indicate a 1.4% improvement in cost-effectiveness compared to the current allocation strategy, highlighting the model’s capability to enhance efficiency. Among the evaluated options, Plan 2 emerges as the most cost-effective solution, achieving a supply capacity of 4.5920 × 105 m3/d with the lowest annual cost of 5.7015 × 107 yuan, highlighting the model’s capability to improve both efficiency and resilience. This study prioritizes cost-efficiency tailored to regional challenges, distinguishing itself from prior research that emphasized redundancy and water quality analysis. The findings demonstrate the potential of graph-theoretic approaches combined with advanced optimization techniques to enhance decision-making for sustainable urban water management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization-Simulation Modeling of Sustainable Water Resource)
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26 pages, 1641 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Water and Land Allocation in Fruit Orchards over a 20-Year Period
by Luciano Quezada, Eduardo Holzapfel, Mathias Kuschel-Otárola, Mario Lillo-Saavedra, Diego Rivera, Camilo Souto, Octavio Lagos and Diego Palma
Water 2025, 17(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17010008 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 653
Abstract
This study proposes a nonlinear programming model for the optimization of water and land allocation in a 1000 ha orchard over a 20-year period to maximize farmers’ net profits. Different scenarios were evaluated, including equitable and unrestricted land allocation, and the risks associated [...] Read more.
This study proposes a nonlinear programming model for the optimization of water and land allocation in a 1000 ha orchard over a 20-year period to maximize farmers’ net profits. Different scenarios were evaluated, including equitable and unrestricted land allocation, and the risks associated with fruit production were considered. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis that focused on the variability of labor and water availability was conducted. The results reveal that with equitable land allocations and no constraints on the cultivated area, cherry emerges as the most profitable crop, although there are large risks associated with its price volatility. The introduction of risk and land allocation constraints highlights the importance of crop diversification in mitigating economic risks. A sensitivity analysis indicated that reductions in water and labor availability significantly affect the optimal cropping pattern of an orchard, suggesting that the efficient and adaptive management of resources is required. The proposed optimal cropping pattern maintains the economic viability of the orchard even with 70% and 24% reductions in water and labor, respectively. This approach underscores the importance of implementing resilient and sustainable agricultural strategies to ensure food security and increase economic stability in the face of changing climatic and labor conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization-Simulation Modeling of Sustainable Water Resource)
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