Optimal design of water distribution systems

Abstract

In this paper, the similarities between a water distribution system (WDS) and a structural truss are discussed. Based on this discussion, the problem of determining the optimal design of a WDS is studied by extending some of the methods used to good effect in structural optimization. Two sensitivity analysis methods for node heads, i.e. virtual-discharge method and pseudo-discharge method, are proposed, and the sensitivity formula for pipe flowrates is derived. An algorithm based on the Sequential Linear Programming (SLP) technique is suggested. Finally, two numerical examples are presented.

Keywords:

• engineering optimization
• optimal design
• sensitivity analysis
• water distribution system
• structural truss