Design of water distribution networks using particle swarm optimization

Abstract

Application of particle swarm optimization (PSO) is demonstrated through design of a water distribution pipeline network. PSO is an evolutionary algorithm that utilizes the swarm intelligence to achieve the goal of optimizing a specified objective function. This algorithm uses the cognition of individuals and social behaviour in the optimization process. For the optimization of water distribution system, a simulation – optimization model, called PSONET is developed and used in which the optimization is by PSO. This formulation is applied to two benchmark optimization design problems. The results are compared with the results obtained by other optimization methods. The results show that the PSO is more efficient than other optimization methods as it requires fewer objective function evaluations.

Keywords:

• Optimization
• Particle swarm optimization (PSO)
• Swarm intelligence
• Water distribution networks