Analysis of water distribution networks with head-dependent outlets

Abstract

Abstract Conventional methods of analysis of a water distribution system impose specified quantities of demand at the nodes and compute the corresponding residual heads. In this study an almost fixed relationship between the residual head and the corresponding outflow is assumed in the analysis. Ignoring this relationship where it is essential may not display the true picture of network performance. Studies in this direction are of recent origin but are seen to impose an upper limit on the outflow beyond a certain level of residual head. In this study a methodology is proposed which takes into account the residual head versus outflow relationship having no clamping of the outflow. An efficient solution technique is employed for solving the governing equations. The appropriateness of the methodology is demonstrated with examples.