WRRCTR No. 83 Dynamic Programming Optimization: A Water Distribution System Design

Abstract

A computation technique based on the dynamic programming approach using the interactive Fortran language has been developed. The computerized design procedure can be used to obtain optimal design for single source water or other compressed fluid systems with a finite number of diverging branches and loops. Pumping effect on a single source system cannot be optimized, however, the developed procedure does allow quick evaluation of many alternate pumping pressures. Similarly, multiple source network with converging branches can only be evaluated by the repeated use of the computerized procedure. Dynamic programming has been proved to be very powerful for the analysis and design of a water network. From an engineer's point of view, this approach can be used to design any conceptual water network with little limitation.