Economics and Statistical Evaluations of Using Microsoft Excel Solver in Pipe Network Analysis

As a follow up to previous studies on numerical analysis of engineering systems, this paper utilizes Microsoft Excel Solver in solving pipe network analysis problems. Continuity and head loss equations were developed from three different pipe networks. Flow and head loss in the pipes were determined using Microsoft Excel Solver and Hardy Cross (standard) methods. These flows and head loss in the pipse were evaluated economically using operational cost and statistically [coefficient of determination (CD), total error, model of selection criterion (MSC), average error, and correlation coefficient (R)]. The study revealed that flow in pipes is a function of the method, withdrawal at the node, and length and diameter of the pipe. Statistical evaluation revealed that CD, total error, MSC, root error, and R were 0.041; 4.55; 0.041; 2.13; and 0.2025; and 1.0000; $2.25\times {10}^{-4}$; 29.647; $1.60\times {10}^{-7}$; and 1.000 for Microsoft Excel Solver and Hardy Cross methods, respectively. Economic evaluations showed that cost of head loss per hour and cost per person per day for these systems (for the two communities) were (1) US$999.44 and US$47.49; and (2) US$1219.85 and US$59.04 for Microsoft Excel Solver and Hardy Cross methods, respectively. It was concluded that the Microsoft Excel Solver method is a better choice than Hardy Cross method in pipe network analysis based on higher values of correlation coefficient, CD, and MSC coupled with lower values of total error and root error as well as higher economic value (lower cost of head loss per hour and lower cost of head loss per person per day).