A novel generic optimization method for irrigation scheduling under multiple objectives and multiple hierarchical layers in a canal network

This research proposes a novel generic method for irrigation scheduling in a canal network to optimize multiple objectives related to canal scheduling (e.g. maximizing water supply and minimizing imbalance of water distribution) within multiple hierarchical layers (e.g. the layers consisting of the main canal, distributaries) while utilizing traditional canal scheduling methods. It is based on modularizing the optimization process. The method is theoretically capable of optimizing an unlimited number of user-defined objectives within an unlimited number of hierarchical layers and only limited by resource availability (e.g. maximum canal capacity and water limitations) in the network. It allows flexible decision-making through quantification of the mutual effects of optimizing conflicting objectives and is adaptable to available multi-objective evolutionary algorithms. The method's application is demonstrated using a hypothetical canal network example with six objectives and three hierarchical layers, and a real scenario with four objectives and two layers. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.