NONLINEAR HEURISTIC FOR PUMP OPERATIONS

A nonlinear heuristic is developed for use in obtaining least-cost pum p-operation policies for multisource, multitank water-distribution sys tems. The proposed algorithm links a minimum-cost-constraint identific ation methodology with a network-simulation model in order to provide the resulting policy. The algorithm has the advantage of being computa tionally efficient while incorporating the nonlinear characteristics o f the water-distribution network. In addition, the algorithm has the a dded advantage of providing several feasible solutions to the control problem, which then provides the system operator with increased flexib ility in selecting a particular policy.