Optimal Design of District Metering Areas for the Reduction of Leakages
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 143, Issue 6
Abstract
The division of water distribution networks (WDNs) into district metering areas (DMAs) is a challenging issue and can be effective for analysis, planning, and management purposes. This contribution proposes a novel two-step strategy for DMA planning. The first step is optimal segmentation design by maximizing the WDN-oriented modularity index versus minimizing the number of conceptual cuts (i.e., not accounting for devices). The second step is the actual optimal DMA design, returning the positions of flow meters and closed valves at the conceptual cuts. Since closed valves change the system’s hydraulic paths, the implementation of DMAs could allow reductions in pressure and leakages through the WDN. Optimal DMA design is therefore achieved by solving a three-objective optimization minimizing the number of flow meters and total unsupplied customer demand while maximizing the reduction of background leakages; thus, pressure-driven modeling is mandatory. The effectiveness and flexibility of the procedure is demonstrated using the Apulian and Exnet networks. Results shows that DMA implementation can allow leakage reduction in systems with excess hydraulic capacity.
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Acknowledgments
The Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) has supported this research, under the Projects of Relevant National Interest “Advanced analysis tools for the management of water losses in urban aqueducts” and “Tools and procedures for an advanced and sustainable management of water distribution systems”; additionally, the case studies reported herein have been accomplished by means of the WDNetXL Design Module, which implement the proposed optimal DMA design strategy. The system tool WDNetXL can be requested free of charge for students and research purposes at www.idea-rt.com. The network data used in WDNetXL can be obtained contacting Prof. Orazio Giustolisi ([email protected]).
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 143 • Issue 6 • June 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 23, 2016
Accepted: Dec 7, 2016
Published online: Feb 21, 2017
Published in print: Jun 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Jul 21, 2017
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