Real-Time Operation Optimization of Variable-Speed Pumping Stations in Water Distribution Systems by Adaptive Discharge Pressure Control

An adaptive discharge head control is proposed to minimize input power of variable-speed pumping stations by decreasing the pumping discharge head and maximizing pump efficiency for closed water distribution systems under partial loadings. For a closed water distribution system, a unique system characteristic curve, or relationship of minimal pumping discharge heads versus pumping discharges, could be developed. The minimal pumping discharge heads should meet service pressure requirements at any location of the system. When the pumps run along the system curve, the input power is minimized. Compared with the constant discharge head control which is widely used in these systems, the adaptive discharge head control could reduce the input power consumption by nearly 22%, 20%, 18%, and 12% under partial loading of 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70%, respectively, based on analysis results of a pumping station in a typical closed water distribution system for given service pressure and invariant demand distribution pattern.