Application of Heuristic Based Algorithm in Water Distribution Network Design

Abstract

Optimization is an essential part of any efficient design process. It is a process of finding solution to the given problem such that it minimizes the effort required or maximizes the benefit of user. Optimization of Water Distribution Network (WDN) is a NP hard type and extremely complex problem due to non-linear relationship between flow and head loss and discrete pipe sizes. The aim of water distribution system is to supply good quality water at sufficient pressure to the consumer. The important factor for maintenance of pressure in water distribution system is the velocity. Velocity is considered as deciding factor to change the diameter of pipe from lower to higher size with reduced search space obtained by critical path method. The method is named as Heuristic Based Algorithm (HBA). In the present study two variants of the HBA are applied one in original form and other with the reduced search space by using candidate diameters on Single Source Two Loop Network. The present study concludes that the direct application of HBA reaches optimum design and the combination of candidate diameters with HBA leads to sub optimal solution.