Design of Pumped Water Distribution Networks with Storage

The paper presents a method for the design of water distribution networks with various network elements such as pipes, pumps, and tanks. A steady-state genetic algorithm is used to solve the proposed single objective model. Minimization of total cost, which includes capital cost and energy cost, is considered as the objective. A new approach for tank sizing is proposed, which does not require explicit consideration of some of the operational constraints, such as the limits on maximum and minimum tank levels. Unlike other methods, the one proposed here conducts extended period simulation for every trial solution in the optimization process. To demonstrate the efficacy of the model, a well-known design example, namely the “Anytown” water distribution network is solved. Designs obtained, using the present method, are cheaper than those proposed by other researchers under similar performance conditions but with different tank sizing methods. Comparison of the results obtained with those published in the literature shows the advantage of using the proposed model in obtaining optimal/near optimal solutions.