Thermal stratification during summer is a condition typically observed in
hydropower reservoirs. The operational problem is usually the early exhaustion of the
cold water present in the reservoir because water is released from the lower depths of the
reservoir throughout the season. This causes warm releases through the rest of the season,
when air temperatures are typically highest and aquatic ecosystems are at highest risk.
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A model was developed for the optimal operation of a reservoir with selective withdrawal
aimed to make operations more flexible during the summer. Operational decisions are
releases from the cold and the warm water pool during each week in the stratification
season. Environmental constraints are represented by minimum required releases to the
stream and maximum allowed temperature of releases