Abstract
This study proposes an algorithm for the improvement of water distribution networks (WDNs) performance using system dynamics. In the first part, the hydraulic and environmental performance of WDNs is investigated. The hydraulic performance is assessed based on the pressure of nodes and the flow velocity in pipes. Furthermore, using life cycle assessment, an environmental performance index is proposed to examine the environmental impacts of WDNs. Moreover, in order to evaluate the overall performance in regards to the costs, a value index in the system dynamics framework is proposed. Then, based on the developed framework, improvement strategies for a WDN are assessed by applying scenarios according to constraints and requirements of the network. The considered scenarios are as follows: (1) reducing per capita water demand of the WDN; (2) decreasing the average pressure in the WDN; (3) reducing the mean age of the system by its renewing; and (4) a combination of reducing the per capita water demand and average pressure in the WDN. The results indicate that the best solutions for increasing the value index in this network are: (a) to reduce the pressure of the pressure reducing valves (PRV) from 30 to 28 m; (b) to reduce the per capita water demand by the annual rate of 0.5% and 1% and decreasing the pressure of the PRV valves together. Therefore, it is shown how the developed algorithm is a purposeful approach for evaluating and improving the performance of WDNs based on the value index.
Highlights
Water scarcity in urban areas as a major problem is increasing rapidly in many regions of the world [1,2]
The results indicated that population size was the main driving force for the urban water demand of Macau, China
The main goal of the present study is to develop an algorithm based on the interactions among the different variables of Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) in order to improve the performance of these infrastructures from the point of environment, hydraulic, and economic views
Summary
Water scarcity in urban areas as a major problem is increasing rapidly in many regions of the world [1,2]. Overcoming the problem of water scarcity in cities requires proper management of urban water supply systems, which consist of different components. Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) are one of the vital parts of urban water supply systems. The main objective of WDNs is to deliver demanded water with the desired quality and pressure to consumers. With regards to the limitations of water resources, population growth, and growing per capita water demand, existing WDNs, especially those that are under operation for more than 30 years, are exposed to the considerable stress. The pipe aging of WDNs does increase the costs of operation and causes an increase in the rate of pipe breaks and water loss. In addition to WDNs’ performance, it is necessary to consider the economic aspects of their operation
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