Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm Optimisation of Water Distribution Systems Accounting for Sustainability

Considerable research has been carried out on the optimisation of water distribution systems (WDSs) within the last three decades. In previous research, attention has mainly focused on the minimisation of the cost of the networks. The study described in this paper extends previous research by incorporating into the optimisation an environmental sustainability criterion of minimising Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. A Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm was developed to solve this problem. The impacts of minimising GHG emissions on the results of WDS optimisation have been explored for two simple case studies: a one-pipe pumping system and one multi-pump system. In addition, results obtained from optimising WDSs accounting for both the economic and environmental sustainability objectives are compared with those obtained when only the economic objective was considered. A comparison of results indicates that the inclusion of GHG emission minimisation as one of the objectives results in significant tradeoffs betwe. en the economic objective and the environmental sustainability objective. This research will allow the consideration of sustainability criteria in the planning, design and evaluation of WDSs, and further contribute to sustainable development in urban areas.

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