Hierarchical Decomposition of Water Distribution Systems for Background Leakage Assessment

This study applies hierarchical decomposition to solve the background leakage control-oriented optimal design problem for the C-Town distribution system. Specifically, the system is first divided into 33 clusters organized in a two level hierarchical structure. The clusters are further classified into trunk clusters and branch clusters respectively. Next, in a sequential manner based on the hierarchy, optimal pressure control strategies for each cluster is addressed with constraints on network performance imposed. As closure of pipes is allowed for leakage reduction, it is found that nearly all clusters are converted into tree networks with pressure control devices inserted. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd.