Artificial Neural Networks
Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) can be used to approximate computationally intensive simulation models, such as EPANET and SWMM. The ANN can then be used in place of EPANET or SWMM in a Genetic Algorithm (GA) run. As ANNs are an approximation technique, they can be run in a significantly shorter amount of time than the simulation model. Therefore, when coupled with a GA, ANNs satisfy the requirement of achieving optimal solutions in a shorter time-frame. Optimal solutions are also verified with the original simulation model to ensure they satisfy hydraulic requirements.
The main purpose of the technology is to improve efficiency, that is, reduce computer run-time. Optimatics has had great success utilizing ANNs together with a GA, resulting in the ANN-based optimization running up to 100 times faster than optimization that did not utilize ANNs.
