Solving Problems of Distribution Network Tracing: Example of Gas Distribution Using the Search Optimization Methodology

The search optimization methodology was designed to address problems of optimized tracing for distribution networks. Apart from gas pipeline diameters, this methodology is able to vary the installation coordinates of gas-distribution stations and the network and trunk gas pipeline joining points. Such problems share the following features. Compared to similar problems with reinforced concrete structures, where increment of variable parameters must result in higher costs, and decrement in lower cost of the solution, such circumstances may be observed in the field of gas distribution only with the factors of the section's diameter: the larger diameter, the higher the cost of the gas line construction, and the reverse. Meanwhile, changes in the coordinates of characteristic points of the gas distribution network may both increase and decrease total cost of construction.