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.