Optimal Location of Control Valves in Pipe Networks by Genetic Algorithm

This paper addresses the problem of appropriate location of control valves in a water supply pipe network and their settings via genetic algorithm (GA) to obtain maximum leakage reduction for given nodal demands and reservoir levels. Embedded in this optimization is the problem of determination of optimal control-valve settings in terms of minimization of system leakage for a given location of valves. It is shown through an example water distribution network that the optimally located valves are much more effective at producing maximum leakage reduction in the network. On the basis of multiple simulations of demand patterns, it was found that the expected value of leakage in a network provided with optimally placed control valves is practically independent of total demand. A study of the effect of varying demands on the optimal location of valves indicated distinct combinations of valve-locations for the different spatial patterns of nodal demands and for different total demands.