Clustering techniques applied to sensor placement for leak detection and location in water distribution networks

This work presents an optimization strategy that maximizes the leak locatability performance of water distribution networks (WDN). The goal is to characterize and determine a sensor configuration that guarantees a maximum degree of locatability while the sensor configuration cost satisfies a budgetary constraint. The method is based on pressure sensitivity matrix analysis and an exhaustive search strategy. In order to reduce the size and the complexity of the problem the present work proposes to combine this methodology with clustering techniques. The strategy developed in this work is successfully applied to determine the optimal set of pressure sensors that should be installed in a district metered area (DMA) in the Barcelona WDN.