Optimal upgradation and expansion of existing water distribution networks using differential evolution algorithm

Abstract

Most of water supply infrastructures were put in place during India's independence period and some pipelines are over 70 years old. Ageing and uncertainty on its performance under increased and varying demand pattern puts tremendous pressure on water authorities to rehabilitate the existing system for complete revamping the system. Complete revamping does not only mount the cost to the water authority but also makes potential inconvenience to the consumer in terms of getting new connection with new line. Hence, it is essential to rehabilitate the pipes which are more sensitive in serving the locality. Rehabilitating the existing system is generally done by either replacing the existing pipes with same or higher diameter or laylng parallel pipe with existing. The optimal selection of such a combination is a furious task to water authorities. In the present study, a combined simulation-optimization modeling approach is developed using EPANET simulation engine. Differential evolution algorithm is adopted to arrive at the optimal solution. The demonstration proves that if the required data are available, the rehabilitation and expansion can be performed in an optimal manner using the model presented. © 2014 Knowledpa Review, Malaysia.