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In the simulation-optimization approach, a coupled optimization and groundwater flow/transport model is used to solve groundwater management problems. The efficiency of the numerical method, which is used to simulate the groundwater flow, is one the major reason to obtain the best solution for a management problem. This study was carried out to examine the advantages of the analytic element method (AEM) in the simulation-optimization approach, for the solution of groundwater management problems. For this study, the AEM and finite difference method (FDM) based flow models were developed and coupled with the particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based optimization model. Furthermore, the AEM-PSO and FDM-PSO models developed were applied in hypothetical as well as real field conditions to address groundwater management problems and the results were compared. For the real field situation, the models developed were applied to the Dore River basin in France to minimize the installation and operational cost of new pumping wells taking the location and discharge of the pumping wells as decision variables. The constraints of the problem were identified with the help of stakeholders and water authority officials. The AEM flow model was developed to facilitate the management model particularly when at each iteration, the optimization model calls for a simulation model to calculate the values of groundwater heads. The results show that, at some points, the AEM-PSO model is efficient in identifying the optimal location of wells and consequently results in optimal costs, sometimes difficult when using the FDM. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper presents the application of the Analytic Element Method (AEM) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) based simulation–optimization model for the solution of groundwater management problems. The AEM-PSO model developed was applied to the Dore river basin, France to solve two groundwater hydraulic management problems: (1) maximum pumping from an aquifer, (2) minimum cost to develop the new pumping well system. Discharge as well as location of the pumping wells were taken as the decision variables. The influence of the piping length was examined in the total development cost for new wells. The optimal number of wells was also calculated by applying the model to different sets of wells. The constraints of the problem were identified with the help of water authority, stakeholders and officials. The AEM flow model was developed to facilitate the management model in particular, as in each iteration optimization model calls a simulation model to calculate the values of groundwater heads. The AEM-PSO model was found to be efficient in identifying the optimal location and discharge of the pumping wells. The penalty function approach was found to be valuable in PSO and also acceptable for groundwater hydraulic management problems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]