The improved multi-criteria decision-making model for multi-objective operation in a complex reservoir system

In multi-objective reservoir operation, it is vital for decision-makers to select optimal scheduling schemes through efficient multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. However, in the family of MCDM methods, it is difficult for the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) to describe grey correlation, thus making decisions with less reliability. To this end, a framework supporting high-quality solutions' acquirement and optimal reservoir operation decision-making is established. The improved multi-objective particle swarm optimization (IMOPSO), a new efficient MCDM model based on TOPSIS and grey correlation analysis (GCA), and combination weighting method based on the minimum deviation (CWMMD) are included in the framework. The non-inferior solution set is efficiently obtained by IMOPSO and optimal decision information is provided for decision-makers using the MCDM model. Moreover, the CWMMD is used to determine weighting information of multiple evaluation indicators. Numerical simulations are conducted to verify the efficiency of the proposed methodology and support decision-making for multi-objective reservoir operation in Hongjiadu and Qingjiang basins. The results indicate that the proposed methodology can provide non-inferior scheduling solutions and decision-making instruction with higher reliability for multi-objective reservoir operation.