Hybrid Optimization Proposal for the Design of Collective On-rotation Operating Irrigation Networks

Hybrid models have been used in many engineering applications in order to find better solutions and to reduce project costs. In this paper a methodology for the optimal design of collective working shift irrigation systems is proposed. The proposal is based on a hybrid model of optimization, which includes Linear Programming (LP) and Genetic Algorithms (GA). The method is applied to an irrigation network to check its effectiveness to minimize the total investment costs for pipelines. The results are compared to another hybrid model for optimization, which is based on Nonlinear Programming (NLP) and GA. The advantage of the developed method is a more cost effective design using discrete pipeline diameters.