Reducing error in water distribution network simulations with field measurements

Abstract

Reduction of error in water distribution network (WDN) models leads to simulations that are more representative of actual network conditions and allows for more realistic system responses. Technological improvements have resulted in data collection becoming more prevalent in WDNs. This study quantifies the reduction in model error when considering demand uncertainty by incorporating pressure reducing valve (PRV) monitoring, operational monitoring, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system data. Model implementation procedures were developed for each of these data types. For this study, outputs obtained by the modeling software EPANET for a WDN model built with hourly measured demands were treated as actual network observations. Pressures simulated by the network model that incorporated all three types of data had less error than pressures simulated by a base model representative of what water managers would use without access to this data. Model improvement varies both spatially and temporally.

KEYWORDS:

• Boundary condition
• data collection
• uncertainty reduction
• water distribution modeling

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the North Carolina utility on which this study was based on providing the necessary data for this study. We also acknowledge North Carolina State University for providing funds to support this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Henry Ricca

Henry Ricca received his BS and MS degrees from North Carolina State University in Environmental Engineering. His research interests include real-time modeling and error reduction in water distribution system hydraulic models and water quality models. He now works for a consulting firm designing drinking water facilities.

Jason Patskoski

Jason Patskoski received his PhD from North Carolina State University in Civil Engineering and was a Post-Doctoral Scholar at North Carolina State University. He now manages a hydraulic engineering department.

Gnanamanikam Mahinthakumar

Gnanamanikam Mahinthakumar is a Professor in the department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at North Carolina State University. He has worked in the area of water distribution systems analysis for nearly two decades. His areas of interest include real time hydraulic and water quality modeling, leakage and pipe condition assessment, resilience analysis, and optimization algorithms.