Factors Governing the Design of Capacity of a Reservoir

The design of the capacity of a reservoir is influenced by several factors that need to be considered in order to meet the desired objectives of the reservoir project. These factors include:

a) Method of operation of reservoir:
The method of operation of a reservoir refers to how the water is managed and controlled within the reservoir. This includes decisions on water release, storage, and utilization. The design of the reservoir capacity needs to take into account the operational requirements such as the expected inflow and outflow patterns, seasonal variations, and peak demand periods. The capacity should be able to accommodate these variations to ensure a reliable supply of water throughout the year. Adequate storage capacity is also necessary to manage flood control and drought mitigation measures effectively.

b) Configuration of reservoir:
The configuration of a reservoir refers to its shape, size, and topography. The design of the capacity should consider the physical characteristics of the reservoir site, including the available land area, depth of the basin, and the surrounding terrain. The configuration affects the storage volume and, therefore, the capacity of the reservoir. The design should optimize the storage capacity while considering factors such as land acquisition, construction costs, and environmental impact.

c) Sediment yield:
Sediment yield refers to the amount of sediment that is transported into the reservoir over time. Sedimentation is a natural process, and it gradually reduces the storage capacity of the reservoir. The design of the capacity should account for the expected sediment yield to ensure that the reservoir can accommodate the sediment load without significantly impacting its functionality. This may involve incorporating sedimentation basins or designing for sediment flushing to maintain an adequate reservoir capacity.

d) All of the above:
All the factors mentioned above are interrelated and collectively govern the design of the capacity of a reservoir. The method of operation determines the inflow and outflow patterns, which in turn influence the configuration and capacity requirements. The configuration of the reservoir affects its storage capacity and, therefore, the operational flexibility. Additionally, the sediment yield needs to be considered to ensure the long-term sustainability of the reservoir.

In conclusion, the design of the capacity of a reservoir incorporates various factors including the method of operation, configuration, and sediment yield. These factors need to be carefully evaluated and considered to ensure an optimal and sustainable design that meets the water supply, flood control, and environmental requirements of the reservoir project.