The Optimal Design Module in KYPipe will select the optimal diameters for a specified section of a system to minimize the total pipe cost. This can be used in conjunction with Pipe2010's Aged Based Roughness capability to optimize the design based on expected conditions at a future date. When the analysis is complete the new diameters can be applied to the system (and then restored to original values if desired).
Although the KYPIPE development team has published many papers on optimal design of water distribution systems over the last two decades, the real need for an optimal design module was felt only recently. Much of the research on optimal design was academic oriented, too far away from reality, and very few utilities could make use of the technology even after spending hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most of the industry needs were addressed by our unique and built-in "direct parameter calculations" feature that allows for optimal sizing of a single or a group of pipe diameters to meet the specified pressure requirements. However, the recent advanced modeling concepts (use hydrant flow data in the form of pressure supplies in lieu of a complete distribution network model) introduced by KYPIPE for designing distribution systems extensions (new sub-divisions etc) enables the use of optimal design technology in a more meaningful manner. This was the driving factor for releasing the optimal design module now instead of 12 years ago along with genetic algorithm based optimal calibration module. The optimal design module allows for sizing diameters of individual pipes or several group of pipes minimizing the overall cost of the project while satisfying pressure, flow and velocity constraints. The standard Pipe2000 GUI features allow for several different easy and convenient ways to define the input data (unit cost of pipes, pipe groups, velocity and pressure constraints etc) for the design module. The module generates tabulated text results summarizing the input data and optimal design diameters and project costs and also allows for auto updating of designed diameters. The module can be used not only for extensions and modifications to existing pipe distribution networks but also for designing new distribution systems (branched as well as looped) or complete redesigning of an existing distribution system.
