Abstract: A method and system for optimal design of a water distribution network is provided. Three levels of optimization are available as options for selection by the user and these include least cost optimization, maximum benefit optimization and cost-benefit tradeoff optimization. The optimization models, in accordance with the present invention, include solutions generated by a competent genetic algorithm that can take into account multiple objective functions. Pareto-optimal solutions are produced for the whole range of a budget for the water distribution system. Tradeoff solutions allow engineers to apply engineering judgement to choose the true optimal solution under the specific application being considered.

Abstract: A water distribution model calibration technique is provided that allows a user to design a calibration model by selecting several input parameters desired to be used for the calibration of a model that allows an engineer to collect a complete set of data to represent the overall system conditions at any given time of day. For example, several parameters may be chosen including link status, the pipe roughness coefficient, junction demand, and pipe and valve operational status. Trial solutions of the model calibration are generated by a genetic algorithm program. A hydraulic network solver program then simulates each trial solution. A calibration module runs a calibration evaluation program to evaluate how closely the model simulation is to the observed data.

Abstract: A method and system for providing cost estimation in connection with a water distribution network is provided. The method includes estimating the energy cost within a water distribution network associated with pumps pushing water from areas of low hydraulic grade to areas of higher hydraulic grade and using energy in the process, as well as estimating cost equivalents for storage changes that occur as tanks within the system fill or drain. The costs associated with this energy are taking into account. Energy Price Definitions are created that take into account the water utility rate structure for the associated pump and the times are which the pump is operating.

Abstract: A method and system for optimization of a simplified engineering model is provided. A software tool efficiently simplifies an engineering model such as a water distribution system and preserves the hydraulic accuracy of the simplified model. The system includes a software program that employs a genetic algorithm to evolve solutions for reinstating the behavior of the original network into a simplified network. The genetic algorithm can be used for identifying the less sensitive hydraulic elements (links and nodes), and removing them or replacing them with the best-fit element parameters produced by the genetic algorithm module of the present invention. A element-by-element skeletonization approach generates the layout of a skeleton network and then identifies potential equivalent elements for replacing series pipes and loops.

Abstract: A method and system for reduction of a network topology-based system having automated optimization features is provided. The method allows for skeletonization to be performed by one or more desired processes including Data Scrubbing, Parallel and Series Pipe Removal techniques, and Branch Trimming techniques. The Data Scrubbing technique includes a loop retaining sensitivity setting that allows the user to determine how large the hydraulic loops are that remain in the system. The data scrubbing technique also includes a network-walking feature in which the software will check each element, when desired, and determine whether it is safe to remove that element without affecting the topological and hydraulic connectivity of the engineering model being reduced.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically calibrating a water distribution model is provided that allows a user to design a calibration model by selecting several input parameters desired to be used for the calibration. For example, several parameters may be chosen including the pipe roughness coefficient, junction demand, and pipe and valve operational status. Trial solutions of the model calibration are generated by a genetic algorithm program. A hydraulic network solver program then simulates each trial solution. A calibration module runs a calibration evaluation program to evaluate how closely the model simulation is to the observed data. In doing so, the calibration evaluation program computes a “goodness-of-fit” value, which is the discrepancy between the observed data and the model data, for each solution. This goodness of fit value is then assigned as the “fitness” for that solution in the genetic algorithm program.