Meteorological-hydrodynamic model coupling for safe inland navigation of waterway stretches in dam reservoirs, using a scarce database

Abstract

The SWAN (Simulating WAves Nearshore) numerical model has been used and validated in numerous studies of open coastal and estuarine regions. Its application on inland or restricted waters (dam reservoir) is not only innovative and challenging, but also an important scientific contribution, filling a gap in the literature. We analyze the performance of the SWAN in the characterization of the agitation caused by the action of wind waves in the reservoir of the Ilha Solteira dam, considering measured wind velocities and a complex bathymetry. The studied area is close to a segment of the Tietê-Paraná waterway, in Brazil. Wind conditions were obtained by a 2D sonic anemometer installed in the reservoir during one of the measurement campaigns, for a period of 3 months. The estimates of the amplitude of waves generated in the reservoir were compared with measurements of the free surface elevation obtained by a Druck pressure sensor installed in the reservoir of the dam, about 300 m from the margin (already in intermediate/deep waters), and 1.0 m deep. The results obtained (amplitudes and wave periods) were shown to be promising and, albeit with significative heights overestimated, could be used for engineering preliminary drafts.

Deterministic Modeling and Uncertainty Quantification of Wind Waves in Ilha Solteira dam Reservoir, Brazil

“…On the deterministic side, the Janssen formulation for wave generation and the whitecapping phenomenon showed superior performance in modeling the waves in the reservoir (Figure 5, Tables 4 and 5). The statistical analysis revealed notable improvements compared to previous work by the research group (Vieira, 2013 [25]; Mattosinho et al 2022 [8]), marking a significant advance in the representation of the specific hydrodynamic conditions of Ilha Solteira. Although the ideal calibration, with a determination index (R ) of over 95% has not been fully achieved, the progress made is significant.…”

“…Pressure data was measured by a Druck PDCR 1830 pressure sensor (for up to 50 psig, 0.06% full scale nonlinearity, equipped with a 150 m power cable) positioned 1.0 m below the water level. Further details of the field work are presented in Maciel et al, [39]; Vieira [25]; Mattosinho et al, [40] and Mattosinho et al, [8].…”

“…Although hydrodynamic understanding in open environments, such as coastal zones, has been extensively studied, the investigation in closed enclosures, such as reservoirs, still faces challenges due to the scarcity of field data and in obtaining the database (e.g. winds and bathymetry) necessary for the calibration and validation of numerical modeling [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13].…”

“…For these reasons, it has become increasingly important to develop methodologies and tools capable of forecasting and monitoring wind waves in reservoirs and stretches of waterway. In this sense, controlling the level of agitation of the reservoir's free surface and its effects on fixed or mobile structures and banks is, in fact, an essential element in building a basis for a future warning system [8,[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21].…”