Improvement of water-quality environment in reservoir models using flow networks

It is known that thermal stratification and environmental problems such as water-quality deterioration occur in water reservoirs. One principle cause is the stagnation of water in the reservoirs, which leads to the problems o f density stratification, nutrient enrichment of algae and others. Various methods such as deep-layer mixing and forced-air injection have been utiliz ed to counter these problems. In this paper, a new method is developed to r esolve water-quality environment problems in water reservoirs utilizing flo w characteristics of flow networks, defined as a system of mutually interse cting flow passages. It emphasizes the investigation of flow characteristic s in flow networks consisting of multiple pairs of intersecting passages. S elf-induced flow oscillations from the exit of flow networks are disclosed, which can be utilized to enhance mixing in water reservoirs. It will lead to the improvement of water-quality environment.