Optimization of water distribution networks using simulated annealing (SA) with variable neighbourhood search (VNS): a case study in the city of Malard

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ABSTRACT Water distribution networks (WDNs) are essential for modern cities, as effective design can reduce construction costs and ensure reliable service. As cities expand, optimizing these large networks becomes increasingly complex. In this work, we introduce a novel approach by combining simulated annealing (SA) with variable neighbourhood search (VNS) into a single heuristic algorithm for WDN optimization, marking the first use of the SA-VNS method in this context. Additionally, we apply Taguchi's design of experiments (DOE) to tune the parameters of the SA-VNS algorithm specifically for water networks. We tested our new algorithm on four standard benchmark networks and a real-world WDN, including a case study of a large city. Our results demonstrate that the SA-VNS algorithm outperforms existing methods in terms of cost, speed, and overall effectiveness, making this research a significant advancement in both heuristic methods and parameter-tuning techniques for WDN optimization.