Energy and Costs of Leaky Pipes: Toward Comprehensive Picture
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Volume 128, Issue 6
Abstract
Leaky distribution systems are costly in terms of lost water, potentially adverse water quality effects, and the energy consumed in supplying the leaks. To characterize the energy effectiveness of a leaky segment in a single pipe, several dimensionless parameters are analytically derived, which relate the leak size and location to its associated energy burden and water loss. The computer program EPANET is used to simulate the energy costs of leaks on representative distribution networks. In particular, analysis is performed to illustrate the influence of total system demand, leak location, and topological complexity. Furthermore, the connection between water loss and energy costs illustrates the potential importance of energy costs when pipes are leaky. The impact of leaks on water age is also evaluated through simulation and via a dimensionless expression relating leak size and location to residence time.
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Published In
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 128 • Issue 6 • November 2002
Pages: 441 - 450
Copyright
Copyright © 2002 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 25, 2001
Accepted: Sep 10, 2001
Published online: Oct 15, 2002
Published in print: Nov 2002
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