A modularity based approach and high-level flow model in the optimal design of water distribution networks using a Genetic Heritage Evolution (GHEST) algorithm

In order to reduce the environmental load and the shortage in fresh water supply, recent studies have focused in establishing rules for a green and sustainable development or redesign of cities. As far as water issues are concerned, the role of infrastructure is commonly recognized as one of the main driver in determining the environmental results. Compared to other infrastructures, modern Water Distribution Systems suffer from a more important structural delay that is nowadays producing criticalities and issues in their everyday functioning. WDNs represent the most complex and main infrastructure for the transportation of clean drinking water from reservoirs and storage tanks to industrial and residential consumers. In order to satisfy consumers demand, WDNs must be constructed with a good layout that connects all points of water demand and should provide the best possible hydraulic conditions and operational requirements, minimizing network costs. This is known as the WDN design problem. In an attempt to resolve the optimization of real WDN problem, Information and Communication Technologies and Optimization Algorithms have been exploited. In this context, the aim of this master thesis is to propose the application of new methodologies to the optimal design of WDNs that include the employment of a Graph-theory, a modularity based approach and the concept of High-level flow, employed in order to simplify the WDN complexity before the optimization process. GHEST algorithm is exploited in order to deal the optimal design problem. The methodologies were applied to DTown and ModenaS networks, both already known in literature.