Decomposition techniques for optimal design of water supply networks

A decomposition technique is suggested for optimal design of water supply networks. The general mathematical model is decomposed into two submodels which are solved iteratively. The flow variables are solved in the first submodel for a fixed value of the head variables, using a minimum concave cost flow algorithm. The head variables are solved in the second submodel for a fixed value of the flow variable using LP. The solution is usually obtained after 2 iterations, and is proven to be a local optimum. A novel form of the pump equation, based on dimensional analysis, is also presented and used as part of the optimization model.