Optimal control of a finite dam with a sample path constraint

In this paper, we discuss the 2-stage output procedure of a finite dam under the condition that water must be released by a fixed time. From this standpoint, the reservoir model we consider is subject to a sample path constraint and has a more general cost function than the earlier contributions. We analytically derive explicit formulas for the long-run average and the expected total discounted costs for an infinite time span and numerically calculate the optimal control policy. Finally, the optimal policy is compared with one by Zuckerman [1] and the effect of the fixed release time is discussed further.