Ant algorithm for smart water network partitioning

Applying ICT devices to WDS makes it possible to introduce also the new concept of Smart WAter Network (SWAN), as a key Smart City subsystem, improving the traditional management of WDS. The possibility of inserting remote-controlled valves and flow meters in a WDS allows to divide a water network into k smaller subsystems, in order to improve the management and protection of WDS. This study proposes a novel technique for water network partitioning based on an ant algorithm that allows to obtain a network partitioning compatible with the hydraulic performance. The technique is applied to a real water network. © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the CCWI2013 Committee.