Transient Modeling of a Full-Scale Distribution System: Comparison with Field Data
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 137, Issue 2
Abstract
The usefulness of transient models depends on their predictive ability. Consequently, their results should ideally be validated with field data. Despite numerous theoretical developments in the area of surge analysis, comparisons between field and modeled data for large distribution systems (DSs) are scarce. Transient low-pressure events at a water treatment plant (WTP) resulted in negative pressures at numerous locations in the DS. Three distinct surge events were measured in a full-scale DS and modeled with transient analysis software. The simulated pressure profiles were compared with field data collected from 9–12 sites within the DS. The objective was to apply a commercial transient analysis algorithm to a large and detailed network model () to estimate transient pressure variations within the network. Results showed similar trends for the three low-pressure events analyzed: the modeled pressures matched reasonably well with the measured pressures, as long as they remained positive. Whenever the pressures reached negative values, the simulated amplitude was larger than that of the recorded pressures. Modeling parameters and factors that might explain such results were tentatively investigated. The importance of field data in understanding and confirming the model outputs is highlighted.
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Acknowledgments
This research was funded by the Canadian Water Network (CWN), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of CanadaNSERC, and the NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water at École Polytechnique de Montréal. Their support, the one from the participating utility, and the following individuals, Jean-François Therrien, Yves Fontaine and Mireille Blais, are gratefully acknowledged.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 137 • Issue 2 • March 2011
Pages: 173 - 182
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 16, 2009
Accepted: Jun 23, 2010
Published online: Jun 26, 2010
Published in print: Mar 1, 2011
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