Real-time dynamic hydraulic model for water distribution networks: steady state modelling

Abstract

It is known that South Africa is a water scarce country which has been recently been experiencing erratic weather conditions resulting in a constrained water supply. Renewed focus has been placed on water conservation. This study seeks to develop a steady state hydraulic model that will be used within a real-time dynamic hydraulic model (DHM). The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) water distribution network (WDN) is used as a pilot study for this purpose. A hydraulic analysis was performed for the WDN. Model parameter data were obtained through as-built drawings and site visits. The data were verified, and critical unknown parameters (those whose absence results in model uncertainty) were measured and thereafter imported into a developed computer model in the EPANET program. The model is presented in this paper. The pilot WDN was analysed for a 24 hour period. Network results have revealed that the system is functional and that water is transported in the system at a very high rate and boosted by a high pressure at the abstraction point. Flow velocities are within the range of 0.6 m/s to 2 m/s as recommended by the CSIR internal guidelines, and therefore no stagnation is expected. The steady state hydraulic model will form part of the real-time DHM and the time and cost efficiency of the entire DHM process will be accessed. This assessment will be in view of a desire to replicate a similar procedure to numerous areas in municipalities across South Africa.