AWWA IMTECH51381

Water distribution systems are complex networks of tanks, pipes, pumps andvalves. Distribution systems are designed to meet consumer demands whilesatisfying performance criteria such as providing minimum pressures withspecified reliability and water quality. In recent years, a good deal of researchhas gone into the application of formal optimization procedures to the design ofwater distribution networks. The most successful optimization techniques to beapplied to this problem involve the use of genetic algorithms (GAs) which are aclass of algorithms based on artificial evolution. They simulate the mechanismsof population genetics and natural selection to develop designs that are low-costand well adapted to the criteria that they must satisfy. GAs can be applied atthe detailed design, planning or concept design phase. This paper examines theapplication of GAs to the concept design phase for a new water distributionnetwork that will supply water to farms and country towns in rural Australia. TheGA concept design approach considers the system capital costs such as the costsof pipes, pump stations and tanks, as well as the projected lifetime pumpoperating costs. The GA approach incorporates a hydraulic network solver toensure that all performance criteria for the system are met. Includes 6 references, tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

01/01/1999

Number of Pages:

18

File Size:

1 file