Optimising the energy-water-CO2 nexus of a water distribution network

Abstract

The digital age attracts significant challenges in the delivery of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) based technologies. The energy-water-CO 2 nexus benefits of 4IR technologies are a significantly greater challenge, especially across the Water Distribution Network (WDN). A business process based energy-water-CO 2 nexus model was developed with the capacity to simulate a comprehensive WDN, and predict the impact of 4IR technologies on the energy-water-CO 2 nexus. The model was applied to the monitoring and control business process of a local water utilities water distribution network. The model simulates the baseline (as-is) energy-water-CO 2 nexus, and evaluates the impact of the adoption of variable speed drive (VSD) and the internet of things (IoT) based on three operational regimes: normal operating pressure, low pressure and high pressure. The model evaluates VSD and IoT adoption singly and in-combination. The VSD has the largest positive impact on the energy-water-CO 2 nexus, reducing the energy demand and CO 2 emissions by16% each, and the water losses by 22%. A reduction in water losses, results in an increase in revenue for the water utility enabling the upgrading of aging infrastructure, investment in digital technologies and the expansion of infrastructure to increase access to clean drinking water. Whilst the impact of IoT on the WDN water-energy-CO 2 nexus is low, it is critical towards developing a “smart” and “self-adjusting” water distribution network.