Abstract
Abstract Economic aspects concerning the high costs related to energy requirements for managing complex water supply systems need a robust strategy, particularly considering the activation of pumping plants. Considering hydrological uncertainties, the definition of strategic rules can ensure energy savings and the well-timed activation of costly water transfers for shortage risk alleviation. The modelling approach has been developed aiming at defining strategic rules of pumps activation thresholds. It considers the need for seasonal variations of activation and the different costs of energy in diverse time slots, according to the usual cost rules adopted by the authorities. Starting with the traditional scenario analysis approach, a new algorithm has been developed considering a multiple-steps scenario optimisation implemented using GAMS interfaced with CPLEX solvers. The results should allow the water authority to establish a robust strategy for pumping activation to guarantee the fulfilment of water demands and to ensure an energy-saving policy.
Highlights
Optimisation modelling aimed at energy saving and the definition of strategic rules for costs minimisation in water systems are an interesting and current research topic (Pasha & Lansey 2014; D’Ambrosio et al 2015; Nault & Papa 2015; De Paola et al 2017; Sechi et al 2019; Hurford et al 2020)
The definition of policies concerning the effectiveness of the activation of emergency and costly water transfers to alleviate droughts is relevant for the water system authorities (Kasprzyk et al 2013; Asefa et al 2014; Mateus & Tullos 2016; Napolitano & Sechi 2020)
The proposed multiple-steps scenario optimisation (MSSO) modelling approach has been described and applied to a real water resource system, evaluating the activation triggers of water pumping plants related to storage levels in reservoirs
Summary
Optimisation modelling aimed at energy saving and the definition of strategic rules for costs minimisation in water systems are an interesting and current research topic (Pasha & Lansey 2014; D’Ambrosio et al 2015; Nault & Papa 2015; De Paola et al 2017; Sechi et al 2019; Hurford et al 2020). Shortages can occur in the supply system and resulting deficits can generate economic losses and social problems To avoid these occurrences, robust emergency transfer activation policies in system management are. This should be done taking advantage of lower energy prices in specific time slots (Alvisi & Franchini 2017) These measures can achieve significant economic savings when defining procedures aimed to avoid the risk of water shortages. The adopted solution methodology develops a multiple-steps scenario optimisation (MSSO) approach, in order to define optimal trigger rules for the emergency activation of pumping stations located in complex multi-reservoir water supply systems. Emergency transfer activation policies obtained using MSSO should be expressed in terms of operative rules defining seasonal trigger activation values for water pumping stations These trigger values will provide the water system authority with strategic system management information. The proposed MSSO approach has been applied to a real case study, characterised by a multi-reservoir and multi-user water supply system in a drought-prone area, located on the island of Sardinia (Italy)
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