General methodology for using Epanet as an optimization element in evolutionary algorithms in a grid computing environment for water distribution network design

In this paper, an evolutionary algorithm, called EA-WDND, is developed to optimize water distribution network design for real instances. The evolutionary algorithm uses the Epanet Solver which, while not an optimizer, helps to evaluate the operational constraints of mass conservation, energy conservation, pressure in nodes (nodal heads) of the network, and velocities of water in network pipes. Epanet is used by the EA-WDND to evaluate whether the looped network is operating properly. Consequently, the EA-WDND obtains feasible configurations of network design. The best configuration, which has the lowest cost and best performance according to defined constraints, is obtained by the EA-WDND. This configuration can be practically implemented in real life. In this paper, a methodology for using Epanet Solver with a parallel evolutionary algorithm is presented.