Optimum Reliable Operation of Water Distribution Network Considering Pumping Station and Tank

This research aims to optimize the operation of pumping stations in water distribution networks (WDNs). Two main objectives are considered: minimizing the pumping energy costs through the scheduling of pumping stations by means of variable-speed pumps and, maximizing the reliability of pumping stations or storage tanks. Accordingly, a multi-objective ant colony optimization is developed in Visual Studio C ++. This optimization algorithm is directly linked to EPANET2.0 for two case studies including Anytown and two loops WDNs. This study reveals that there is a strong correlation between the number of nodes and pumps, and the range of the hydraulic reliability in the solutions of pareto-optimal front. In scheduling of pumping station operation, a wider range of reliability can be provided in storage tanks compared to pumping stations. Based on WDN’s requirements, decision makers can choose a solution with the desired reliability of pumping stations and storage tanks and the relevant pumping energy costs.