Optimization of drinking water distribution networks: Computer-based methods and constructal design

A well-known application of water engineering is drinking water distribution through pipe networks in urban and rural areas. The present work addresses this issue with a specific focus on the network design. First, the paper presents a brief review of computer-based design methods and shows that a significant number of efforts have been pursued. Secondly, it proposes the approach of geometric analysis of the distribution networks as complementary points of the former optimization methods. Finally, an original illustrative application is proposed. The geometric and multi-scale optimization known as the constructal design is used to analytically optimize T-shaped network architectures subject to an operational water quality constraint. This illustrative application leads to the determination of an optimal geometry of the network that minimizes head losses (factor of pumping energy).

► Computer-based design methods have been deeply used for drinking water networks.
► Geometric analysis is an excellent complementary point.
► The geometric optimization method called constructal design seems adapted.
► Constructal optimization of T-shaped networks is presented as illustration.
► Recommendations in direction of urban systems computer-based design methods.