Abstract
The traditional method in operation of the multiple reservoir system is by rule curves-that is, curves that divide the total storage into various pools over time. A predefined operation rule curve can be derived by either an optimization model and a simulation model or combination of these models. In Thailand, rule curves are important for operating a multiple reservoir system. The historical reservoir operation records of the Mae Klong system in Thailand are presented and discussed in this paper. The operation of this multiple reservoir system is controlled by a set of rule curves that is obtained from a simulation model and consists of 3 levels ; namely, upper rule curve, lower rule curve and flood control rule curve. Since water in this basin has been diverted to supplement other requirements outside the basin, there exists water shortage problem in the major irrigation project. Because of different hydrology conditions and physical characteristics of major dams as well as inappropriate existing operating rules, spillage and useless release occurred while most of the time irrigation requirement could not be fulfilled. The existing rules should be revised to improve the system performance. Optimization technique is recommended to determine optimal policies or effective operating rules to obtain the maximum net benefit in long-term operation.
