Optimal design of water distribution networks incorporating reliability criteria

Abstract

To achieve a robust and optimal design of water distribution networks, both hydraulic constraints and reliability concerns must be met. This paper aims at employing multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm for reliability-oriented design of a water distribution network. We use Pareto-front analysis to make a compromise between cost and reliability satisfaction. Two criteria, referred to as Todini’s resilience index ($$I:{r}$$ ) and network resilience index ($$I:{n}$$ ), are used to evaluate the resilience of the network under study. The simulation results clearly show that MOPSO is capable of being used in optimal design of water distribution networks and $$I:{n}$$ is an effective criterion for water networks’ reliability evaluation.