Optimal determination of valve setting coefficient for the multi-tank water feeder system

Abstract

Filling up water to several water distribution service tanks equitably needs a proper valve setting in the operation. Setting by trial and error requires considerable time which could invite more labour-level exercise. This study addresses the issue of unequal water distribution to elevated service tanks (ESTs). It is possible to achieve an optimal valve loss coefficient, which ensures equal water supply to all ESTs. Throttle and control valves play a crucial role in regulating the flow rate and pressure of water. An optimization framework for the valve setting coefficient is proposed. The genetic algorithm is used as an optimization model and hydraulic simulation is performed using EPANET 2.0 software through its toolkits. The proposed model is applied to a hypothetical system and illustrated. The obtained valve setting coefficients make equitable distribution of water to all the ESTs.