Feasibility of Using Tanks in Water Distribution Networks

Water supply is an energy intensive activity, consuming between 2 and 3% of the world's energy. The present work analyzed the feasibility of the use of tanks to minimize electricity costs in the operation of water supply systems, taking into account the hourly variation of the electric energy tariff. A case study was performed using the EPANET software to analyze part of the distribution network in Curitiba, Brazil, with 1476 junctions, 1678 pipes, one reservoir, and two pumps, which in the original configuration operates with 1318 annual low pressure events. The decrease in energy costs is due to the partial operation of pumps during the peak hours, when the energy cost is higher. The installation of tanks also provides better control of pressures, better supply of demand, and reduction of risks of pipe ruptures. It was concluded that there are solutions that lead to the reduction of expenses of the order of 20% and whose return periods are feasible (5 years).