Choosing the Best Algorithm for Optimum Locating and Adjustment of Pressure-Reducing Valves in Water Distribution Networks

Abstract

The high pressure of water distribution networks (WDNs) increases leakage, bursts, and water consumption. Pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) are widely used in WDNs because of their flexibility and effectiveness in pressure management. This paper studies pressure management by locating and adjusting PRVs in WDNs, considering the proper objective function and the suitable optimization algorithm. The single-objective algorithms and the EPANET hydraulic simulator in MATLAB programming are combined to manage the pressure. Initially, the proposed method improved by selecting the optimal optimization algorithm and objective function. Both fixed outlets and time-modulated modes of PRVs for two ZJ and Bellingham WDNs as case studies were used. Considering the cost, reliability, hydraulic performance, and leakage, the results were then analyzed and compared by changing the number, location, and adjustment of each PRV. The outcomes show the effect of choosing the best algorithms and cost functions on the results. The results also show that this method increases the reliability and controls the nodal pressure to a desired level in WDNs. Leakages in water distribution networks (WDNs) are problematic for utilities and other governmental agencies. Pressure management in WDNs is inevitable to reduce the rate of bursts and leaks. Using fixed- and time-modulated pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) is essential for smart pressure management in WDNs. This study presented a method for positioning and adjusting PRVs in WDNs. The proposed method was applied to ZJ and Bellingham WDNs by choosing the best optimization algorithm and objective functions. The grey wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm is proposed as one of the best algorithms for this subject. The presented method tries to provide the best plan for pressure management by examining the cost, leakage, and reliability. The results show that the presented method effectively increases reliability and reduces leakage in WDNs.