DMA Segmentation and Multiobjective Optimization for Trading Off Water Age, Excess Pressure, and Pump Operational Cost in Water Distribution Systems
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 147, Issue 4
Abstract
This study presents a heuristic multiobjective approach for segmenting and operating water distribution systems (WDS). The methodology employs a two-pronged strategy: the first is a heuristic method for dividing the network into clusters (i.e., district metering areas) based on connectivity analysis. The second is the application of the evolutionary multiobjective optimization method non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA)-II for trading off the operational cost, excess pressure (serving as a proxy to leakage reduction), and water age (acting as a surrogate to water quality) in the WDS. Three example applications of increasing complexities with various cluster partitioning are explored, showing a clear trade-off among the objectives. This study introduces an unprecedented heuristic approach for jointly solving the multiobjective problem under a given system partitioning. However, by enforcing a priori clustering formation (rather than including it in the optimization), optimality, completeness, and precision are compromised in favor of computational speed and effort. Thus, additional sensitivities need to be conducted outside of the optimization for the clusters’ impact. Challenges of extending this study are in embedding the clusters’ formations in the optimization considering other objectives such as residual capacity, developments of other optimization frameworks outside of the generic link of simulation-optimization, and uncertainty inclusion (e.g., in demands). All data and codes are included for allowing full replications and comparisons.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
Financial support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) to this work is gratefully acknowledged, as well as from the Israel Science Foundation (Grant No. 555/18).
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Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 147 • Issue 4 • April 2021
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Dec 21, 2019
Accepted: Oct 6, 2020
Published online: Jan 22, 2021
Published in print: Apr 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Jun 22, 2021
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