An improved hybrid community detection algorithm for partitioning of water distribution networks

Abstract

District metered areas (DMAs) are widely used by water utilities to manage water distribution networks (WDNs). This study presents a novel methodology that couples the improved hybrid community detection algorithm and combinatorial optimization process for partitioning WDNs into DMAs. In the node clustering phase, the hybrid algorithm based on the improved modularity index enables the fast formation of sufficient partition solutions with a more balanced water demand distribution and reduced diameters of boundary pipes. Then, in the partition dividing phase, a three-step optimization method, comprising preliminary hydraulic analysis, search for a suboptimal solution and multi-objective optimization, is presented to find a fast and optimal solution for the location of flow meters and isolation valves in WDNs. The overall methodology is applied to a large-scale WDN, proving its applicability and superiority in generating engineering partition configurations.

KEYWORDS:

• Water distribution networks
• district metered areas
• hybrid community detection algorithm
• multi-objective optimization

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Shipeng Chu, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant numbers 52070167, 52070165].