| This thesis considers the critical problem of the design, operation and optimization of water distribution system (WDS) under transient conditions. Evolutionary algorithms are explored and refined for two primary purposes: (i) for system assessment and model calibration using the high frequency transient response of the system and (ii) for system design including water hammer control. First, evolutionary algorithms are applied to calibrate system parameters by seeking a reasonable match between measured and predicted transient pressure traces in the network. The difficulties and limitations of achieving system calibration of a realistic WDS are systematically explored. In addition to the estimation of the pipe roughness and the detection of leakage, this work argues that uncertain system parameters, such as pipe diameter, wave speed and water demand, be explicitly included in the calibration process. Evolutionary algorithms are also used to obtain the optimal combination of hydraulic devices or pipe diameters to reduce and control water hammer conditions. These optimization studies show that not only is the selection of hydraulic devices and pipe diameters crucially sensitive to a surge protection strategy, but also that more global systematic approaches are helpful for improving water distribution system design and water hammer protection. |
