Long-term versus Real-time Optimal Operation for Gate Regulation during Flood in Urban Drainage Systems

In this study, a simulation-optimization framework is built to present two approaches of long-term and real-time optimal operation for the regulation of gates during flood in urban drainage systems (UDSs). The modeling approaches are applied to a prototype network in a portion of the UDS of Tehran, Iran. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the number of decision variables of the optimization models. Results are then compared with those of an uncontrolled (UC) approach as a baseline business-as-usual scenario. It has been inferred that the two optimization approaches outperform the UC method. Additionally, the real-time optimal (RTOP) operation approach, benefiting from both the current system’s state and the latest storm data, is superior to the long-term optimal (LTOP) operation approach with respect to flood mitigation efficiency. The RTOP approach has the flexibility to adapt to changes in operational conditions when part of the system’s regulation capacity is lost.