Synchronization Optimization of Pipe Diameter and Operation Frequency in a Pressurized Irrigation Network Based on the Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

The pressurized irrigation network aims to deliver water to consumption nodes at an appropriate pressure and discharge. The traditional pipe network optimization minimizes the annual operating cost or investment per unit area. The present work establishes the traditional pipe diameter and operating frequency optimization models based on flattish terrain. It proposes a new synchronization optimization method of pipe diameter and operation frequency to find the best match point for pipe diameter and operating frequency in the branched network system. The irrigation costs of the above three models, including the energy and pipe network costs, are compared with the original irrigation network system. Based on the results of optimizing the typical experimental field, the operation frequency optimization model and the pipe diameter optimization model can save about 1.4% and 10.6% in irrigation cost, respectively. Furthermore, the synchronous optimization model can significantly reduce the irrigation cost to about 19.3%, including a 26.6% reduction in the pipe network cost and a 21.9% increase in the energy cost. Compared with pipe diameter optimization, synchronous optimization can further reduce network costs while generating lower energy costs. The results of this research can be used for the design of the network system in flattish terrain to reduce the irrigation cost.