M.h. Afshar, R. Rajabpour,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (12-2007)
Abstract
This paper presents a relatively new management model for the optimal design and
operation of irrigation water pumping systems. The model makes use of the newly introduced
particle swarm optimization algorithm. A two step optimization model is developed and solved with
the particle swarm optimization method. The model first carries out an exhaustive enumeration
search for all feasible sets of pump combinations able to cope with a given demand curve over the
required period. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is then called in to search for optimal
operation of each set. Having solved the operation problem of all feasible sets, one can calculate
the total cost of operation and depreciation of initial investment for all the sets and the optimal set
and the corresponding operating policy is determined. The proposed model is applied to the design
and operation of a real-world irrigation pumping system and the results are presented and
compared with those of a genetic algorithm. The results indicate that the proposed mode in
conjunction with the particle swarm optimization algorithm is a versatile management model for
the design and operation of real-world irrigation pumping systems.