Optimization of pressurized tree-type water distribution network using the improved decomposition-dynamic programming aggregation algorithm

Abstract

Pressurized tree-type water distribution network (WDN) is widely used in rural water supply projects. Optimization of this network has direct practical significance to reduce the capital cost. This paper developed a discrete nonlinear model to obtain the minimum equivalent annual cost (EAC) of pressurized tree-type WDN. The pump head and pipe diameter were taken into account as the double decision variables, while the pipe head loss and flow velocity were the constraint conditions. The model was solved by using the improved decomposition-dynamic programming aggregation (DDPA) algorithm and applied to a real case. The optimization results showed that the annual investment, depreciation and maintenance cost (W1) were reduced by 22.5%; however, the pumps' operational cost (p) increased by 17.9% compared to the actual layout. Overall, the optimal EAC was reduced by 15.2% with the optimized pump head and optimal diameter distribution of the network. This method demonstrated an intrinsic trade-off between investment and operational cost, and provided an efficient decision support tool for least-cost design of pressurized tree-type WDN.