Interpreting a Pareto set of operating options for water grids: a framework and case study. Issue 16 (10th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ashbolt, Stephanie C.; Maheepala, Shiroma; Perera, B.J.C.
• Is Part Of: Hydrological sciences journal. Volume 62:Issue 16(2017)
• Page Start: 2631
• Page End: 2654
• Publication Date: 2017-12-10
• Subjects: visual analysis -- post-optimisation analysis -- cluster analysis -- Pareto-optimal set -- multi-objective optimisation -- water supply planning; Hydrology -- Periodicals; 551.4805
• DOI: 10.1080/02626667.2017.1398826
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0262-6667

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Multi-objective optimisation is being increasingly applied in water supply management to identify optimal operating options. However, a key challenge in the implementation of multi-objective optimisation is interpreting the large and multidimensional Pareto-optimal set. This paper shows how cluster, visual and post-optimisation analysis can aid the decision maker in addressing this challenge. This is demonstrated for a case study based on South East Queensland Water Grid, Australia, as part of a broader operational planning framework. Firstly, cluster analysis identifies a smaller set of representative options to aid in visual analysis. Secondly, visual analysis techniques are used to identify the trade-offs between objectives, the relationships between decision variables and objective performance, and to shortlist promising operating options. Finally, post-optimisation analysis techniques identify efficient operating options from the Pareto set, based on decision-maker preferences. Together these techniques can be used to identify a shortlist of operating options, for further consideration using multicriteria analysis.