Robust control in water management

• Main Author: Roseta-Palma, Catarina
• Publication Date: 2004
• Other Authors: Xepapadeas, Anastasios
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: http://hdl.handle.net/10071/5533
• topic: Scientific uncertainty; Maxmin approach; Robust control; Utilização da água -- Water use; Rainfall variability; Princípio da precaução -- Precaution principle

Since surface water flows are often stochastic, there is a role for water reservoirs in protecting users against uncertainty. We assume uncertainty regarding the probability distribution for the stochastic variable. Thus the decision allows for a range of approximate models that could be true, and the problem can be solved using robust optimal control. This paper analyses the implications of a robust framework on resource management decisions, using the case of water as an illustration. Robust choices are compared with those of a benchmark stochastic model and the emergence of precautionary behaviour is discussed.