Application of Genetic Algorithm in the operation of pipeline systems

systems under transient conditions. The Implicit Method of Characteristics is used here for the simulation of pipeline system. In this method, an element-wise definition is used for all the devices that may be used in a pipeline system. The equations governing the hydraulic behavior of these elements are derived and assembled to form the system of equations to be solved for the unknown nodal heads and flows. The method is capable of considering any arbitrary combination of devices in the pipeline system. The objective of using GA is to optimize the operation of system by minimizing the time span of transient loadings such that an existing pipeline with pre-defined characteristics can withstand the pressure surges induced by the transient operation of the system. The method is applied here to two example problems of transient flow caused by valve closure and flow control valve operation and the results are presented and compared with those based on engineering judgment. The results clearly emphasize on the applicability of the optimization models to control the water hammer effects by properly managing the pipeline system.

Keywords:

Genetic algorithm , Water hammer , Transient flow , Pipeline system , Implicit method of characteristic