Optimization in Design of Hydraulic Network

A new method termed as equivalent diameter method for the direct least-cost solution of pipe sizes of the different branches of the network consisting of pumps, elevated service reservoir and the networks of pipes from known nodal pressure heads and water consumptions incorporating various cost functions is being developed. A correction factor for the convergence of the assumed flow values towards the solution is derived. The variation of the total cost with the inlet hydraulic head and the geometry of the pressure surface is studied. A method to find the optimum inlet hydraulic head and the optimum geometry of the pressure surface is outlined in seeking an optimal cost solution. A general computer program is being developed. For effective use high speed computers are necessary. The applicability of the technique is illustrated with a sample problem.