A fuzzy decision model for the design of rural natural gas networks

A fuzzy decision model to assist in computer synthesis of network geometry for design of rural natural gas distribution systems is proposed. The membership functions for individual objectives involved in the problem, such as minimization of cost and generation fo generally rectilinear geometry, are derived. The method combines Saaty’s priority method, a regression analysis of the membership function and a piecewise linear approximation of the function obtained through regression. The procedure is demonstrated by application to an example network.