An integer linear programming model to optimize the hub and spoke-based water desalinated transmission system

Abstract

Desalinated water is becoming a significant resource in many countries. With limited water supply, several high-demand sites located far from the desalination plant and an efficient and cost-effective transmission and storage network have become critical. In many areas, desalinated water is not delivered efficiently through a pipeline and storage tank system capable of providing safe and cost-effective coverage to a wide range of demand sites. In addition, due to the limitation of transmission and storage distribution, many desalination plants are unable to achieve full production capacity. Many high-demand sites are at risk of disruption or water contamination due to single-source pipelines or desalination plants. In this study, the conceptual framework for an economically viable transmission and storage system helps decision-makers to define the requirements for the proper design of the system. The definition is introduced here to describe strategic tanks for efficient and economical supply allocation. The key aspects of setting up effective transmission and storage systems were outlined in the framework presented. To develop an efficient and cost-effective transmission and storage system, an integer linear program was constructed to solve the hub and spoke issue. A hypothetical example is presented and discussed to illustrate the advantages of the proposed model.