Hydraulic Transients with Genetic Algorithms Used for Leakage Detection in Real Water Distribution Networks

Abstract

A computational tool for leakage detection in a real water distribution system was developed by the Water Distribution and Sewer Systems Research Center at the Universidad de los Andes in Bogota - Colombia, supported by the Colombian Institute for Science and Technology Development “Francisco Jose de Caldas” – COLCIENCIAS. This methodology is based on a recent approach known as inverse transient analysis with genetic algorithms and uses observed pressure data, collected during the occurrence of transient events in a real network, to find the optimal location of the leak with genetic algorithms. This optimal location must minimize the difference between calculated and observed data. The methodology was tested and verified with experimental data collected in a real network located in the township of Chia, near Colombian District Capital Bogota. The Chia network was selected because of its relatively small size and homogeneity of pipe material (PVC).