Managing Nighttime Pressure for Background Leakage Control in Water Distribution Networks Using Simulated Annealing

Abstract

In recent decades, the global imperative to address drinking water scarcity encourages initiatives that ensure a sustainable supply. In this context, this work presents a two-stage methodology designed to reduce background leakages in water distribution networks by controlling pressures during hours of lower water demand using pressure-reducing valves (PRVs). The first stage focuses on dividing the network into smaller structures, or modules, optimizing the topological modularity index. Here, conceptual cuts are determined at the boundaries between modules, identifying them as potential positions for the installation of PRVs. The second stage determines the quantity, optimal settings, and operational status of these valves. Focused on reducing elevated nighttime pressures, the strategy minimizes the network’s nighttime resilience index using simulated annealing for optimization. The application of this methodology to two reference networks results in different levels of PRV activity, achieving a substantial decrease in pressure and nighttime background leakage volumes, without a negative impact on peak demand hours.