Abstract: In one embodiment, a hydraulic simulation model corresponding to a real-world hydraulic network is loaded in a hydraulic modeling and simulation application executing on a computer system. The hydraulic simulation model represents leakages as pressure dependent emitter flow at selected nodes (leakage nodes). Optimization criteria include a specified maximum of possible leakage nodes. A genetic algorithm (GA) generates trial solutions for an optimization, each trial solution representing locations for leakage nodes and corresponding emitter coefficients. A hydraulic analysis is performed for the trial solutions to generated model-simulated results. The model-simulated results are compared to field-observed data for the real-world hydraulic network to generate goodness-of-fit values. The process is repeated until a particular goodness-of-fit value is achieved or a maximum number of iterations is reached.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a technique is disclosed for calculating a relative pump speed factor for attaining a prescribed hydraulic head or for pumping a prescribed amount of flow. A hydraulic model of a water distribution or collection system is defined to include link elements and node elements. At least one of the node elements represents a fixed-flow variable speed pump (VSP) that delivers a desired amount of flow, a variable speed pump battery (VSPB) that represents multiple VSPs operating in parallel with each other, a VSP with a tank located on the VSP's discharge side, or a VSP with a tank located on the VSP's suction side.

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 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.