Cost Gradient–Based Assessment and Design Improvement Technique for Water Distribution Networks with Varying Loads

A gradient-based network assessment is proposed as a way to understand and improve the cost and hydraulic performance of distribution networks. It seeks to reduce the computation time of optimizing water distribution networks with varying demands by using a sequence of shorter time cycles to approximate a fuller range of costs. To allow system evolution, diameters are adjusted after each cycle according to anticipated capital, energy, and …