Optimization of Water Tanks Size and Location on Networks

摘要

Water distribution system (WDS) design has been the subject of minimal improvements over the last decade, even tough the accessibility of computer modeling has increased. Water distribution pipes are designed to provide adequate pressure at distribution nodes and adequate velocity in pipes, usually with the use of a hydraulic solver coupled with the engineering expertise of the designer. Storage tank design is done by following some standard requirements considering minimal values provided by local guidelines. Storage tank allocation is generally done without taking into account the network capacity and robustness. As regards the position, tanks are generally located next to the distribution area with highest demand and considering other site-specific constraints. Optimal network configuration, in terms of hydraulic efficiency and water quality, is rarely considered. This results in long residence time generating the loss of disinfectant residual and favouring water quality degradation. Up to now, the optimization of the WDS design and operations have been mostly focused on sizing pipes and pumping schedules without taking into account storage tanks location, storage capacity and water quality. The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology to optimize water storage tank volume and location. This methodology will take into account hydraulic requirements as well as water quality requirements (minimize residence time in order to reduce disinfectant decay and disinfection by-product formation). The well-known "Anytown network" benchmark is used to test the new methodology.