Regresar

Model for optimization of the operating cost in aquifers

Abstract:

The major cost component in the water production of groundwater supply system (once the wells are built) is pumping water from wells. In this contribution a new module in MADA (groundwater management model) based on the inclusion of a simulation-optimization model to minimize the operating cost in the aquifers exploitation is proposed. The proposal uses a two-dimensional simulation model of groundwater flow (AQÜIMPE) based on the finite element method. The response matrix approach is used to link AQÜIMPE with a quadratic programming problem, which is solved using the function quadprog of the mathematical assistant MATLAB. The model is applied in the administration of the exploitation in the Cuenca Sur aquifer, an exploitation policy is obtained that allows to save around a 15% of pumping costs relative to the cost of the actual operation in the year 2007. In addition, the obtained exploitation pattern satisfies a set of constraints of water demand, aquifer levels and installed capacity in each operating well.