Optimal Aqueduct Capacity and Distribution Policy: Continuous Approach

Abstract

Methods for determining the optimal design capacities and distribution management of water delivery systems in the presence of probabilistic supplies and known transportation losses are presented. A continuous distance model of the conveyance system, solved by calculus of variations, is used to expose and explain a variety of economic tradeoffs, capacity design patterns, and water distribution patterns that occur in economically optimal delivery systems. The results rely on optimality conditions developed in the paper. Supply variability and users' supply levels are shown to have important influences on the optimal solutions.