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 of density stratification, nutrient enrichment of algae and others. Various methods such as deep-layer mixing and forced-air injection have been utilized to counter these problems. In this paper, a new method is developed to resolve water-quality environment problems in water reservoirs utilizing flow characteristics of flow networks, defined as a system of mutually intersecting flow passages. It emphasizes the investigation of flow characteristics in flow networks consisting of multiple pairs of intersecting passages. Self-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.