Articles | Volume 10, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/dwes-10-33-2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/dwes-10-33-2017
Research article
 | 
24 May 2017
Research article |  | 24 May 2017

All-in-one model for designing optimal water distribution pipe networks

Dagnachew Aklog and Yoshihiko Hosoi

Abstract. This paper discusses the development of an easy-to-use, all-in-one model for designing optimal water distribution networks. The model combines different optimization techniques into a single package in which a user can easily choose what optimizer to use and compare the results of different optimizers to gain confidence in the performances of the models. At present, three optimization techniques are included in the model: linear programming (LP), genetic algorithm (GA) and a heuristic one-by-one reduction method (OBORM) that was previously developed by the authors. The optimizers were tested on a number of benchmark problems and performed very well in terms of finding optimal or near-optimal solutions with a reasonable computation effort. The results indicate that the model effectively addresses the issues of complexity and limited performance trust associated with previous models and can thus be used for practical purposes.

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Short summary
In developed countries, a safe and adequate water supply is usually taken for granted. However, an estimated 700 million people worldwide still live without access to this basic service. In order to achieve universal water coverage by 2030, either global spending on water projects should increase, which is not easy as it stands now, or the cost of water supply systems should decrease. This paper discusses the development of appropriate pipe network design methods, or models, for the latter.