Design of Water Distribution Systems Using Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

This paper approaches an optimization model for design of water distribution networks, which involves the application of Genetic Algorithms (GA). Genetic algorithm works on the random selection from pool of all solutions and proceeds to the optimum solutions based on mainly three operators, which are reproduction, crossover and mutation. Genetic algorithm implements an effective search for all the linear and non-linear optimization problems and that’s why it has been accepted among the water resource planners and managers. In this paper, Genetic algorithm is implemented in its simplest form with some additional features that were found to be effective in network optimization to find optimal pipe diameters of a network with a minimum cost. Finally, the paper demonstrates the technique of formulation and methodology by an existing problem of water distribution network, which is taken from the literature