An Optimization Strategy for Water Distribution Networks

An optimization strategy based on head losses minimization is developed for the least cost design of water distribution networks. A new weighting approach is suggested for calculating the initial flow distribution and optimum pipe diameters of the weighted flow distribution is presented by using least square method. In the mean time homogenous and isotropous head losses are maintained with implications of head loss path choice. The model is employed for designing and/or modifying pipe sizes while the classical Hardy-Cross network solver is used to balance the flows. The whole algorithm is programmed and applied to a two-looped network selected from the literature and the results are presented on a comparative basis. A FORTRAN software with the necessary steps in the flow chart is written for the optimization calculations in this paper. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009