Abstract

MARTINEZ RODRIGUEZ, José Bienvenido. Looped water supply networks are not more expensive (1^st part). RIHA [online]. 2012, vol.33, n.1, pp. 31-40. ISSN 1680-0338.

The economic advantages of a looped network have not been considered in any of the optimization models found in the literature. This paper introduces a new formulation and methodology in an attempt to give a practical solution to this problem. The new formulation consists of a non-linear optimization model solved by classical differential calculus and the Newton-Raphson technique. An example shows how the looped network can be less costly than a branched one. Previous research usually optimizes the network for a given design demand. Also the value that should be specified as the desired network reliability has not been reported so far. This work introduces a methodology to obtain not only an adequate value for the reliability of a looped network but also the appropriate design demand as well based on a thorough cost analysis. A second example illustrates the detailed performance of this methodology.

Keywords : economic analysis; network design; network reliability; optimization; water supply.

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