Mathematical models for use in planning regional water resources and energy systems

Abstract

Existing and projected energy facilities will, in the near future, place major demands on the country's water resources. These demands compete with many other uses of the resources, including municipal and industrial uses, navigation, irrigation, and water quality maintenance. The possible development of coal conversion facilities presents another potential water demand. Complex public sector problems such as: 1) the extent and development of coal conversion capacity, 2) interbasin transfer of water, 3) cooling technologies for large energy facilities, 4) diversion of Lake Michigan water, and 5) allowable withdrawal and consumptive uses of river water, all arise from the interlocking nature of the water resources-energy system. Although mathematical models cannot solve these problems directly, they can be useful in gaining insight into major issues associated with policy alternatives. With the aid of such models, quantitative trends such as costs and water development patterns associated with each decision alternative can be more readily identified. In this report, mathematical models are presented for use in planning a regional allocation of water for energy facilities as well as for other water uses. These models include components for the interrelated water and energy subsystems. The use of these models in conjunction with other existing models in order to provide a better picture of the overall system is discussed. Since the models use widely available computer codes, they are practical and easy to utilize. Example applications are presented, with a discussion of computational results.U.S. Geological SurveyU.S. Department of the InteriorOpe