Algorithms of Minimal Number of Sensors Placement Using Pressure Sensitivity Analysis for Leak Detection in Pipe Network

In the proposed work, algorithms have been developed to minimise the placement of number of sensors to detect leaks in the looped pipe network using pressure sensitivity analysis. The algorithm of sensor placement uses the pressure sensitivity matrix which is the differences between the pressures calculated without leak and with leak values at nodes by EPANET simulation. Leakages are simulated as a constant demand that is assumed at junction. Binarised matrix is obtained by normalised pressure sensitivity matrix using threshold. The algorithm starts with the assumption that every node has a sensor. The minimum number of sensor is obtained using binarised matrix in such a way that every leak present in the network should be detected and isolated. The implementation of present algorithms shows the placement of sensors is minimised up to 15–20% of total number sensor placed at nodes. The problem identifies the best location of minimum number of sensors in the pipe network.