A study on sediment avoidance diversion and the coordinated dispatch of water and sediment at an injection-water supply project on a sediment-laden river

• Published in: Engineering applications of computational fluid mechanics 2021-01, Vol.15 (1), p.530-548
• Main Authors: Li, Pengfeng, Li, Guodong, Guo, Lihao, Shi, Die
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Avoidance; coordinated dispatch of water and sediment; Deposition; injection-water supply; Numerical models; Reservoir construction; reservoir sedimentation; Reservoirs; Rivers; sediment avoidance diversion; Sediment-laden flows; Sedimentation; Sedimentation & deposition; Sediments; Service life; Water supply
• ISSN: 1994-2060; 1997-003X
• DOI: 10.1080/19942060.2021.1898478

Rivers in the north-western region of China have a high sediment content, and the construction of reservoirs on these rivers must address the problem of sedimentation that results in a loss of reservoir capacity. In this study, the YZD (Yazidang) reservoir was considered as a typical case, to address the problem of sedimentation in injection-type water supply reservoirs in Northwest China. The temporal and spatial characteristics of the sediment in this water diversion project were analyzed based on available 46-year water and sediment data. The concept of 'sediment avoidance diversion' was proposed, which reduces the entry of sediment into the reservoir. A one-dimensional numerical model for water-sediment coupling was established, and the characteristics of water-sediment erosion and deposition for different operational modes were analyzed. The results show that during a period of high sediment content, large-scale siltation occurs in a water diversion channel. To alleviate sediment deposition in a diversion channel, two control strategies for mitigating siltation were formulated. Considering the pros and cons of these control strategies, a reasonable water-sediment joint operation plan has been proposed to extend the service life of the YZD reservoir. This research provides a theoretical basis for sedimentation treatment and control of similar reservoirs.