Knowledge Based Systems in operational scheduling of water distribution networks

An aspect of operating water distribution networks that has received much attention in the past pump scheduling. This paper reviews the existing work in pump scheduling and discusses its merits and drawbacks. As a result of the limitations of the existing methods, a new approach to pump scheduling has been developed as SKF Technology that is founded on Knowledge Based Systems (KBS) techniques. The KBS approach has been incorporated into a piece of scheduling software called PUMPLAN. The KBS approach and its benefits are discussed with reference to studies performed using PUMPLAN. SKF Technology is leading a SPRINT collaborative project funded by the European Commission to develop sophisticated operational control schemes and install them in European water undertakings. A general framework for operational control schemes of this type is presented and the role of KBS techniques in the framework is considered.