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Introduction to Simulation Modeling is a course for first-time or novice users of RiverWare. It has been taught for over 20 years by the RiverWare research and development team, and has received enthusiastic reviews. The course includes both lectures and self-guided tutorials.

During this training you will learn to build and run simulation models using many of RiverWare's features. We start by analyzing an existing model, then you will build a model from scratch, adding objects and selecting physical process methods to tailor the simulation to a specific river system and for specific modeling purposes. You will learn how to run a model driven by input data and special flags, display and analyze the results and diagnose problems. We also introduce many of RiverWare’s utilities, such as the system control table (SCT), scripting tools for automating run procedures and executing in batch mode, multiple run management (MRM), the RiverWare Interactive Scenario Explorer (RiverWISE), and connecting to a database using database management interfaces (DMIs). The final exercise introduces rulebased simulation, the topic of the follow-on course.

After you have taken the course, the training models (including those you developed through the tutorials) will be available to you, along with a two-month software license.

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Rulebased Simulation Modeling is a course for users who have a thorough understanding of pure simulation as covered in the Simulation course and wish to develop models that use rule logic for operational policies that drive the solution. It has been taught for over 20 years by the RiverWare research and development team. The course includes both lectures and self-guided tutorials.

This course teaches you the details of how rulebased simulation works and how to build a policy set. We spend considerable time on the solution methodologies used in rulebased simulation, which build heavily upon the solution methodologies of the simulation solution. You learn how to write rules using the RiverWare Policy Language, and we guide you through an interactive exercise converting written operations policy into a rule set. We show you how to analyze and debug the model runs and document and create reports about your model and policy set. Finally, we present advanced topics that provide additional functionality that may be useful in your modeling efforts.

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The Simulation & Rulebased Modeling course is a combination of RiverWare's two most commonly used solution techniques - Simulation and Rulebased Simulation - and an introduction to many of its utilities, output features and diagnostics. It is an accelerated five-day class for those wishing to become familiar with a broad range of RiverWare's capabilities in a short amount of time.

You will learn how to build a model of the rivers, reservoirs, hydro plants, and other features of your basin, and to simulate the physical processes by selecting from a large number of alternative methods to tailor the simulation to your modeling needs. We will introduce the rulebased simulation solver and RiverWare's Policy Language and editor through an engaging group exercise in converting a basin's operating policy into a ruleset. We will demonstrate how to run the model, use diagnostics and run analysis tools, and view the results through plots, reports and policy analysis tools. You will configure and build a system control table, a spreadsheet-like view of the data that provides easy access to editing and running the model. We will introduce other modeling tools such as the Data Management Interface (DMIs), Multiple Run Management (MRM), and Scripting as time allows.

This course prepares the RiverWare user for both the Accounting class and Optimization class.

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The Water Accounting course provides an introduction to modeling water ownership, water type, and/or water rights using RiverWare’s Water Accounting solution approach. This will allow you to track both the physical water and the “color” of the water, often called “paper” water. This class requires a basic understanding of the simulation and rulebased simulation techniques and the classes are a prerequisite to attend. Contact us if you have questions.

You will learn how accounting works to model water ownership or type within any basin. We will show you how to run an accounting model and view results. You will convert a pure simulation model into an accounting model by creating accounts, selecting accounting methods, and linking them to represent how water can be transferred throughout the basin. We will explain how to use rulebased simulation to access and set accounting values as necessary in a basin that is driven by ownership or type. The class culminates in an interactive exercise where you learn about the priority date based water rights allocation solver and apply it to a sample basin using the accounting system.  Finally, we show you how to debug the system and present additional utilities that you can use to analyze the solution.

This class has been taught for over 14 years by RiverWare research and development team and has consistently received positive feedback.

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The RiverWare Optimization course is for users who either have experience with RiverWare rulebased simulation and desire to use the optimization solver or who have experience working with a RiverWare optimization model and have a desire for a deeper understanding of the details of the optimization solution. The course assumes prior knowledge and experience with RiverWare and the RiverWare Policy Language. It does not require prior knowledge of mathematical optimization techniques. The course covers the following topics:

  • Overview of RiverWare’s preemptive linear goal programming solution
  • Strengths and limitations of optimization
  • Components of the mathematical formulation that are necessary for understanding the solution
  • The role of simulation and rulebased simulation in an optimization model
  • Steps to build an optimization model
  • How to formulate basin operating policy for an optimization model
  • Solution analysis and debugging

The class includes a combination of presentations, guided hands-on exercises and self-guided tutorials. You will run and analyze prepared optimization models. You will also write constraints and objectives in the RiverWare Policy Language to convert an existing simulation model into an optimization model. The course will provide you with the knowledge you need to develop and analyze your own optimization models. The detailed training manual will serve as a valuable reference for future use of RiverWare optimization.

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We offer customized classes at CADSWES or onsite training for users or interested parties. Please contact us and provide some details of your particular situation if you feel this option may suit your needs. We can then discuss it and provide you with a quote.

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