Harmony Search Algorithms for Water and Environmental Systems - Music-Inspired Harmony Search Algorithm: Theory and Applications - page 111

Harmony Search Algorithms for Water and
Environmental Systems
Zong Woo Geem 1 , Chung-Li Tseng 2 , and Justin C. Williams 3
1 Environmental Planning and Management Program, Johns Hopkins University,
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
[e-mail]
2 Australian School of Business, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
[e-mail]
3 Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins University,
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
[e-mail]
Abstract. Recently, the harmony search (HS) algorithm and other phenomenon-inspired algo-
rithms have gained attention for their abilities to solve large-scale, difficult combinatorial opti-
mization problems. This chapter reviews the applications of the HS method in the areas of
water resources and environmental system optimization. Four specific optimization problems
are considered: design of water distribution networks, scheduling of multi-location dams, pa-
rameter calibration of environmental models, and determination of ecological reserve location.
The computational performance of the HS method on solving these four optimization problems
will be compared against other optimization methods. It will be shown in this chapter that the
HS method can outperform other methods in terms of solution quality and computational time.
Keywords: Harmony Search, Water Network Design, Dam Operation, Model Parameter Cali-
bration, Ecological Optimization.
1 Introduction
This chapter presents four important environmental applications that can be tackled
using the Harmony Search (HS) algorithm. These four applications include design of
clean water networks, operation of multi-purpose dams, parameter calibration of a
flood model, and determination of ecological reserve locations.
With the rise of environmental consciousness, there is growing concern on effec-
tiveness and environmental impact of public infrastructure. In 2007, the British
Medical Association, one of the most prestigious medical societies, announced that
sanitation including sewage disposal and clean water distribution was the greatest
medical milestone during the last century, beating other candidates including the in-
ventions of antibiotics, vaccines and anesthesia [1]. This highlighted the indispensable
nature of water distribution networks in our daily lives. Without a sound water distri-
bution network to maintain sanitation, public health would be at risk. How to design
an efficient and cost-effective water network using the HS algorithm is the first appli-
cation covered in this chapter.
A dam is a barrier structure with various purposes, such as flood control, drought
management, irrigation, water consumption, and electric power generation. The second