Neural network based decision model used for design of rural natural gas systems

The design and application of neural networks are examined in the context of a specific design-making problem, the selection of an appropriate layout for a rural natural gas distribution system. The neural networks considered exploit one-stage classes of single-layer and multilayer architectures driven by logical constructs arising from the theory of fuzzy sets. The application is a multicriterion optimization problem. The neural networks' ability to model the decision making process is illustrated with an example set of alternative layouts of rural natural gas systems.