Proposal of optimal operation strategy applied to water distribution network with statistical approach

Abstract Inefficiency of sanitation companies’ operation procedures threatens the population’s future supplies. Thus, it is essential to increase water and energy efficiency in order to meet future demand. Optimization techniques are important tools for the analysis of complex problems, as in distribution networks for supply. Currently, genetic algorithms are recognized by their application in literature. In this regard, an optimization model of water distribution network is proposed, using genetic algorithms. The difference in this research is a methodology based on in-depth analysis of results, using statistics and the design of experimental tools and software. The proposed technique was applied to a theoretical network developed for the study. Preliminary simulations were accomplished using EPANET, representing the main causes of water and energy inefficiency in Brazilian sanitation companies. Some parameters were changed in applying this model, such as reservoir level, pipe diameter, pumping pressures, and valve-closing percentage. These values were established by the design of experimental techniques. As output, we obtained the equation of response surface, optimized, which resulted in values of established hydraulic parameters. From these data, the obtained parameters in computational optimization algorithms were applied, resulting in losses of 26.61%, improvement of 16.19 p.p. with regard to the network without optimization, establishing an operational strategy involving three pumps and a pressure-reducing valve. We conclude that the association of optimization and the planning of experimental techniques constitutes an encouraging method to deal with the complexity of water-distribution network optimization.