Water Consumption Index Research Articles

Industrial water consumption index: A new bridge between water consumption and socioeconomic development

Regional water consumption is closely linked to socioeconomic development trends; however, studies that analyze and evaluate socioeconomic development trends based on water consumption data are lacking. This study established a new general index, the industrial water consumption index (IWCI), using several variables from water consumption data through the entropy weight method and tested the index in Jiaxing City, China. The results showed that the relationship between water consumption and socioeconomic development varied depending on different industrial divisions. The IWCI, established based on water consumption data was highly sensitive to changes in socioeconomic development, especially rapid changes. Compared to the raw water consumption data, the IWCI presented a better performance in evaluation indicators for the selected several divisions, with a Pearson correlation coefficient ranging from 0.70 to 0.85 and a normalized mutual information ranging from 0.31 to 0.45. Overall, the IWCI provides an effective way to evaluate socioeconomic development trends by relying solely on water consumption data, particularly for industrial divisions where water plays an important role in production. The index allows managers to quickly assess and analyze socioeconomic development trends and develop corresponding response measures.

Analysis of the Spatial Correlation Network Structure of Agricultural Water Use Efficiency in Northwest China

There are some problems in Northwest China, such as the fragile ecological environment, poor basic conditions of agricultural production, low efficiency of agricultural water use, and difficulty in clarifying the path of agricultural water use efficiency (AWUE) improvement. Based on the superefficiency data envelopment analysis (DEA) model, this study increases the amount of ‘green water’ resources in the agricultural water consumption index of the input index and increases the wastewater pollutants (total chemical oxygen demand emissions; total ammonia nitrogen emissions) in the undesired output index to measure the AWUE in the northwest region. Based on the calculation results of AWUE, combined with the modified gravity model, the connection strength of AWUE between any two provinces in Northwest China is calculated, and the spatial structure and network characteristics of AWUE in this area are analysed via the social network analysis (SNA) method. The results show that the average AWUE in 2020 is nearly two times higher than that in 2011. From the situation of the northwest provinces, the average AWUE of the five provinces is in the order of Qinghai > Shaanxi > Gansu > Ningxia > Xinjiang. The AWUE value, total population, real GDP and per capita GDP of the capital cities of the five provinces in Northwest China are the key factors for the improvement of the connection intensity of AWUE. From 2011 to 2020, the connection intensity and closeness of AWUE in Northwest China increased, and there was a clear network hierarchy. The improvement in overall AWUE in the region is mainly due to the radiation and driving effect of the central province on other provinces. Based on this, the study proposes policy recommendations for gradually realising the AWUE improvement path of the central province (Shaanxi; Gansu)—cooperation circle (Shaanxi–Ningxia; Gansu–Qinghai)—the whole region. The results provide theoretical support and a quantitative basis for optimising the spatial pattern of agricultural water resources and improving AWUE in Northwest China.

Zero Carbon Ready Metrics for a Single-Family Home in the Sultanate of Oman Based on EDGE Certification System for Green Buildings

A single-family house was designed as a new middle-income green residential building in the Sultanate of Oman, according to criteria defined by the green building certification system EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is a member of the World Bank Group (WBG). The design was accomplished through the free cloud-based tool of EDGE. With respect to a base design for the Sultanate of Oman, the green home design achieved savings of 40.86%, 20.22%, and 26.39% in energy, water, and materials (Embodied Energy), respectively. In addition, a saving of 35.48% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was estimated. Based on the completed green building design, four green building-normalized metrics were used to quantify the efficiency of the base case and the design case in terms of the consumption of resources and polluting emissions. These efficiency metrics are: Carbon Emission Index (CEI), Energy Performance Index (EPI), Water Consumption Index (WCI), and Embodied Energy Index (EEI). Out of these green building performance metrics, the EPI is directly provided by EDGE, while the other three are introduced here as additional useful indicators that allow fair evaluations and comparison with other buildings, due to their less stringent dependence on the floor area or the number of occupants.

Water-energy nexus in the combined cycle power plant using energy, exergy, economic and environmental analyses

The growing demand for water and energy and the limitation on their resources necessitate comprehensive studies on the water-energy nexus from different aspects in large industries, especially power plants. In the present study, the water-energy nexus has been analyzed using energy, exergy, economic, and environmental analyses for the retrofit scenarios in a combined cycle power plant. The injection of boiler blow-down into the condenser will save 47809.5 m3 of make-up water and 1.115 million m3 of natural gas per year. Replacing the Maisotsenko evaporative cooler with the fogging system increases the revenue index and the water consumption index by 2.7%. The raw water is replaced with high-quality water. The output power of the combined cycle power plant is reduced by 2.1 MW (0.83%) due to the steam injection from the heat recovery boiler into the combustion chamber of the gas unit, while its exergy degradation rate is reduced by 8.5 MW (2.42%). Also, the efficiency of the first and second laws have been decreased by 0.49% and 0.4%, respectively. The results show that the recovery of boiler blow-down for condenser or steam injection into the combustion chamber of the gas unit from heat recovery of the boiler reduces water consumption and exergy destruction simultaneously. Using Maisotsenko cycle and steam injection into the combustion chamber of the gas unit from the heat recovery of boiler reduces the exergy destruction and NOx emissions. The present study provides useful insights to quantify the water-energy nexus for decision-makers in the industry to reach proper decisions according to the opportunities and limitations.

Real-time economic and safe operation diagnosis of hydropower units

In order to ensure the safety and economy of the operation of hydropower units under the big data technology application platform and the automatic generation control system, and to tap the maximum power generation potential of the units, an effective method of economic operation evaluation of hydropower units combined with state diagnosis is proposed. Taking Unit 1 of Longtan Hydropower Station as an example, the economic evaluation and status diagnosis of the daily operating conditions are carried out, the real-time efficiency of the turbine is queried through the unit operating conditions data, and the economic operation of the unit is comprehensively evaluated using the standard water consumption index. In addition, the real-time operation condition of the unit shall be diagnosed according to the working condition zoning diagram, and the economic operation condition shall be combined with the unit state operation condition for joint assessment. It is strictly forbidden to operate the unit in the vibration zone and the vortex zone and it is determined that the unit can maximize the power generation efficiency after operating in the safe operation zone.

Electricity-Related Water Network Analysis in China Based on Multi-Regional Input–Output Analysis and Complex Network Analysis

The transfer of electricity-related water across regions and sectors provides an opportunity to alleviate water stress and make the development of the power system sustainable. Yet, the key node identification and properties of the electricity-related water network have not been studied. In this study, the properties and key nodes of the regional sectoral electricity-related water network in China were analyzed based on a multi-regional input–output model and complex network analysis. An iterative method was proposed to calculate the water consumption index inventory. The results showed electricity transmission can affect the regional water consumption index. Degree, intensity, betweenness centrality, and closeness centrality indicators of nodes were used to identify the key nodes. Sector 24 in Shandong was the key node with the largest closeness centrality. Sector 9 in Xinjiang was the key node with the largest betweenness centrality. They were the best choice for establishing points to observe and control flows, respectively. The transfer network did not have the small-world nature with the average clustering coefficient being 0.478 and the average path length being 2.327. It is less likely to cause large-scale clustering change in the network. This study can provide references for the common sustainable development of power systems and water resources.

Research on water resource carrying capacity of capital water conservation functional zone

Water resources are important for supporting regional economic development. A scientific and reasonable evaluation of the carrying capacity of water resources is of high significance to regional sustainable development. Zhangjiakou City is China’s first capital water conservation functional area, which plays a role in ensuring the safety of water resources and ecological environment in the capital. Considering Chicheng County, Zhangjiakou City, as a typical area, its water resource carrying capacity in the current year (2018) and the plan year (2025) is evaluated by constructing a water resource carrying capacity evaluation index system for the county, determining the threshold of the bearing capacity evaluation index, and using the single-factor evaluation method and cloud theory method. In addition, the main factors affecting the water resource carrying capacity of Chicheng County are analyzed. The results show that: Based on the single factor evaluation results, the critical state of water resources carrying capacity was evaluated comprehensively, and the factor carrying capacity of total water consumption in the predicted planning level year (38.0603 in normal water year and 41.3403 in dry water year) does not exceed the total water consumption index (51.14). Furthermore, The water resources carrying capacity level of the present level year (.45) and the planned level year (.46) belong to the third level of the evaluation index system. There is further scope for the carrying capacity of water resources in Chicheng County to satisfy its economic and social development. However, it is urgent to solve the problems affecting the water quality elements of rivers, such as heavy river water pollution, low sewage treatment capacity, and weak pollution monitoring and supervision. It is necessary to optimize the industrial economic structure of Chicheng County, accelerate the improvement of water resources management system and mechanism, and ensure the long-term safety of water resources and ecological environment in the capital.

Spatiotemporal variation and obstacle factor diagnosis of resource and environment carrying capacity of Lanzhou-Xining urban agglomeration in the upper Yellow River, Nothwest China

Based on the PSR model, we built an evaluation system for resource and environment carrying capacity. We used the entropy weight method, the comprehensive index model and the spatial analysis function of GIS to explore the spatial-temporal dynamic of the resource and environment carrying capacity of the Lanzhou-Xining urban agglomeration, and used the obstacle degree model to identify the obstacle factors. The results showed that resource and environment carrying capacity of the Lanzhou-Xining urban agglomeration from 2005 to 2018 showed a fluctuating upward trend, which was generally at good condition. The coefficient of variation of resource and environment carrying capacity had a fluctuating upward trend, while regional differences were gradually expanding. Spatially, resource and environment carrying capacity presented a "dual-core" structure centered on the main urban areas of Lanzhou and Xining. The high-level areas were mainly concentrated in the Hehuang Valley with Lanzhou and Xining as the center and some surrounding counties, while the low-level areas were distributed in the central and southern regions of the urban agglomeration. Among them, there were spatiotemporal variations of the subsystem index. The pressure index showed a fluctuating and decreasing trend, and spatially showed a decreasing distribution characteristic from Lanzhou and Xining urban areas to the peripheral areas. The state index showed a fluctuating upward trend, and spatially showed the evolution characteristics of high in the east and west wings and low in the middle. The response index showed an upward trend, and spatially showed distribution patterns high in the east and middle, and low in the west and outside. The urbanization rate, per capita industrial wastewater discharge, domestic waste harmless treatment rate, water consumption index, and the proportion of environmental protection investment in GDP are the main obstacles restricting the improvement of resource and environment carrying capacity of Lanhzhou-Xining urban agglomeration.

The combined effect of sowing methods and nitrogen rates on wheat yield and regulation of soil water consumption in Loess Plateau

Field experiments were conducted to assess the effect of four sowing methods on the growth, photosynthetic, and yield traits of dryland winter wheat. Furthermore, the impact of N input rates was also evaluated on water consumption by the wheat plants from the soil. The seeds of winter wheat were sown using wide space sowing (WS), furrow sowing (FS), stereoscopic sowing (SS), and drill sowing (DS). The results indicated that different sowing methods significantly affected the yield and grain quality. The increase in grain yield was 25%, 17%, and 11%, respectively, under WS, FS, and SS compared to that in DS. From sowing to jointing, the water consumption was highest under WS, mainly in deep soil layers. The photosynthetic traits and leaf area index were highest under WS, followed by those under FS. The plant height was highest under DS. The water consumption index and grain yield were higher at the N rate 210-240 kg ha-1 than those at the other N rates applied. In conclusion, the WS and 210 kg N ha-1 improved the canopy structure, water consumption, and winter wheat yield.

Implementation of Energy Management Concept and Energy Management System in High Rise Office Building

Energy Management Concept as part of Green Building Concept is focused to Improve Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) and Water Consumption Index (WCI). The Implementation Energy Management Concept in an office buildings of this study based on the management system model of continual improvement ISO 50001:2011. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the implementation of green building principles in Office Buildings. This study took the case study in an office building in Jakarta Indonesia that has two towers, each tower has 32 floors and 3 basement floors. The method used is descriptive with respect to GREENSHIP Rating Tools for existing building which consists of six categories; Appropriate Site Development (ASD), Energy Efficiency & Conservation (EEC), Water Conservation (WAC), Material Resources & Cycle (MRC), Indoor Air Health & Comfort (IHC) and Building & Environments Management (BEM). The results show that implementation the Energy Management Concept could also made energy performance more efficient, after Implementing through Retrofitting of the Chiller System, Recycle Waste Water, Replacement of Conventional lamp to Energy Saving LED and also Training and Education to all employees and tenants. From comparing data research before implementation of Energy Management Concept in 2014 and after Implementation and retrofitting in 2016, 2017 & 2018, it is found that Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) from 238.8 kwh/m2/Years to 134,04kwh/m2/Year and Water Consumption Index (WCI)From 50 liter/person/Day to 27.18 Liter/person/Day. And the saving cost from electricity bill payments is IDR. 466,803,325.67 / month (18%) and roughly will Break Event Point (BEP) for 3.86 Years

Exploration on Innovative Model of Water-draw and Utilization Assessment: Regional Water-draw and Utilization Assessment + Water Consumption Standard System

Water-draw and utilization assessment is a basic water resources management system. According to the requirements of “running at most once” and “strong supervision of water resources”, aiming at the inadaptability of current water-draw and utilization assessment, this paper puts forward the overall design framework of “regional water-draw and utilization assessment + water consumption standard” system, explores and establishes an innovative management system to replace the traditional way. The key links of the system design are also analysed in this paper, and the register and commitment management pattern for water-draw permission and long-term supervision mechanism based on water consumption index are proposed respectively.

Implications of non-sustainable agricultural water policies for the water-food nexus in large-scale irrigation systems: A remote sensing approach

Abstract This study proposes a novel monitoring tool based on Satellite Remote Sensing (SRS) data to examine the status of water distribution and Water Use Efficiency (WUE) under changing water policies in large-scale and complex irrigation schemes. The aim is to improve our understanding of the water-food nexus in such schemes. With a special reference to the Gezira Irrigation Scheme (GeIS) in Sudan during the period 2000–2014, the tool devised herein is well suited for cases where validation data are absent. First, it introduces an index, referred to as the Crop Water Consumption Index (CWCI), to assess the efficiency of water policies. The index is defined as the ratio of actual evapotranspiration (ET a ) over agricultural areas to total ET a for the whole scheme where ET a is estimated using the Simplified Surface Energy Balance model (SSEB). Second, the tool uses integrated Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (iNDVI), as a proxy for crop productivity, and ET a to assess the WUE. Third, the tool uses SSEB ET a and NDVI in an attempt to detect wastage of water. Four key results emerged from this research as follows: 1) the WUE has not improved despite the changing agricultural and water policies, 2) the seasonal ET a can be used to detect the drier areas of GeIS, i.e. areas with poor irrigation water supply, 3) the decreasing trends of CWCI, slope of iNDVI-ET a linear regression and iNDVI are indicative of inefficient utilization of irrigation water in the scheme, and 4) it is possible to use SSEB ET a and NDVI to identify channels with spillover problems and detect wastage of rainwater that is not used as a source for irrigation. In conclusion, the innovative tool developed herein has provided important information on the efficiency of a large-scale irrigation scheme to help rationalize laborious water management processes and increase productivity.

Development of urbanization in arid and semi arid regions based on the water resource carrying capacity -- a case study of Changji, Xinjiang

The arid and semiarid region in China where have a relatively weak economic foundation, independent development capacity, and the low-level of urbanization. The new urbanization within these regions is facing severe challenges brought by the constraints of resources. In this paper, we selected the Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region as study area. We found that agricultural planting structure is the key water consumption index based on the research about the main water demands of domestic, agriculture and industry. Finally, we suggest that more attentions should be paid to the rational utilization of water resources, population carrying capacity, and adjust and upgrade the industrial structure, with the purpose of coordination with the Silk Road Economic Belt.

长江流域2003~2015年用水量变化分析

根据长江流域水资源公报2003~2015年用水调查统计数据及有关社会经济资料，系统分析了长江流域及各水资源二级区的用水总量、组成和指标的变化趋势。流域总用水量由1702.6 × 108 m3增加到2054.6 × 108 m3，年均递增率为1.58%；用水组成有明显变化，农业用水比例由55.0%下降到48.6%，工业用水比例由33.2%上升到35.8%，生活用水比例由11.8%上升到15.7%，其中农业发达的中游地区农业用水占比高达61%，工业发达的下游地区工业用水占比51%，但是农村用水急剧减少，反映农村人口急剧减少的作用；人均综合用水量变化不大，在400~450 m3之间，但从下游到上游，人均用水量是急剧减少的，反映社会经济发展不平衡性；变化最为明显的是，综合用水效率不断提高，万元GDP (2000年同比价)用水量由431 m3下降到184 m3，单位面积的农田灌溉用水效率也明显提高，反映了社会经济发展与科技革新对用水指标的深刻影响。 According to the water resources of the Yangtze River Basin Water bulletin 2003-2015 survey and related social economic data, the water consumption, composition and water consumption index trend in the Yangtze River Basin were systematically analyzed. The basin total water use increased from 1702.6 × 108 m3 to 2054.6 × 108 m3, with an average annual increase rate of 1.58%; the proportion of agricultural water consumption decreased from 55% to 48.6%, industrial the water ratio increased from 33.2% to 35.8%, the proportion of living water increased from 11.8% to 15.7%. Among them, the middle reaches of agricultural developed agricultural water accounted for up to 61%, industrial developed downstream industrial water accounted for more than 51%, but the rural water decreased sharply, reflecting a sharp decrease in the rural population; per capita comprehensive water consumption changed little in between 400 - 450 m3, but from the downstream to the upstream, the water consumption per capita is drastically reduced, reflecting the social and economic development is not balanced; The most obvious change is that the comprehensive water consumption decreased from 431 m3 (2000 prices) to 184m3 per million Yuan GDP. The irrigation water efficiency per unit area increased significantly, which reflects the profound influence of social economic development and technological innovation of water consumption index.

Portuguese

Among environmental subjects the necessity of rational practices and water savings is important in the containporaneous society. In the public schools the inadequate use of the water is frequent, as well as the existence of leakages in the hydraulical installations and the use of non-economic hydraulic equipments. This paper aims at evaluating the water consumption and perception index by the users concerning this natural resource in school. Specifically, factors were investigated in twelve public schools of the Minas Gerais State, located in the Triângulo Mineiro region. Through questionnaires, direct interviews and comments it was characterized the form as the water is used in the schools. Information was obtained for the calculation of water use perception index concerning its rational use, according to Ywashima (2005) methodology. It was observed some inconsistency between consumption indicator and perception index in the year 2011, possibly because of wrong data of monthly water consumption (error on hydrometer reading) and existence of leakages not detectable or error in the number of students in schools. In general, the water users have the knowledge of the attitudes to be employed to promote the water savings. Some actions for the rational use of water are proposed. Keywords: water consumption index, water rational use, perception index, public schools, Triângulo mineiro.