AN OPTIMIZATION METHOD TO DESIGN HYDRAULIC NETWORKS

Nonlinear programming is applied to the solution of hydraulic network problems. The significant differences between the proposed optimization method and other conventional methods are that this method can solve problems with mixed unknowns (e.g. pipe sizes, discharges and pressures), it can optimize solutions involving unknowns defined by inequalities (e.g. specifled minimum discharge and pressure values), it can handle network control problems such as required valve adjustments or in-line booster pump needs, and it may solve problems of networks with continuous discharge distribution along the pipes.