AWWA JAW31585

This article outlines a new scheduling and control methodology for water supply and distribution systems. Unlike traditional methodologies, the new approach is based on a general-purpose simulator and network model. These simulate the complex, interactive, nonlinear hydraulic and cost performance of water networks. The simulator is linked to the on-line management system via a database so that network models are kept up to date. Within the overall control methodology, the simulator is used by different functional tasks, one being an optimizing scheduler. The optimizing scheduler provides practical hydraulic control of complex networks and generates savings in operating costs. It was developed and applied to a large urban distribution system in the United Kingdom. Results show that hydraulic control can be achieved in a transient operations environment, with significant savings in operating costs. Includes 10 references, table, figures.