A novel step-by-step optimization method for interplant water networks

This paper evaluated the characteristics of interplant water networks along with superstructure models of such networks coordinated with intermediate pools, with the latter being assessed via nonlinear programming tools. To overcome the inherent difficulties associated with nonlinear programming models, a superstructure model was ultimately simplified according to a unidirectional characteristic. A novel step-by-step optimization method was then set forth for this simplified model. And the novel method was then applied to two examples, a single contaminant example from the literature and a multiple contaminants example located in southern China, which could demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method.