Application of Parameter-Less Rao Algorithm in Optimization of Water Distribution Networks Through Pressure-Driven Analysis

Water distribution networks (WDNs) connect consumers to the source of water. The primary goal of optimizing WDNs is to minimize the network costs as WDNs entail high construction costs. This paper presents a newly developed parameter-less Rao algorithm for optimization of WDNs. The methodology is based on a pressure and discharge dependent penalty. It is written in python code by linking to a hydraulic model of WDN implemented in EPANET. The algorithm is applied and tested on three benchmark networks, namely Two-loop (TL), New York Tunnel (NYT) and Goyang (GY) and a real WDN of School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Bhopal, India. Rao algorithm employs two approaches to hydraulic modelling, demand-driven analysis (DDA) and pressure-driven analysis (PDA), as the DDA-Rao algorithm and the PDA-Rao algorithm. PDA-Rao algorithm outperforms DDA-Rao algorithm in terms of convergence. PDA-Rao algorithm saved 1.7% network cost for the NYT network, while the best-known least-cost values were obtained for TL and GY networks. It is seen that the Rao algorithms are efficient, easy to apply and do not require any parameter tuning, which reduces a large number of computational efforts.

Automated summary

The newly developed Rao algorithm for optimizing water distribution networks has been proven to be efficient and effective in reducing network costs without the need for parameter tuning. Through testing on both benchmark and real networks, the algorithm showed significant improvements in convergence and cost-saving compared to traditional methods.