Uniformity and Heuristics-Based DeNSE Method for Sectorization of Water Distribution Networks
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 146, Issue 3
Abstract
Sectorization of a water distribution network (WDN) into district metered areas (DMAs) is a proven solution for proactive leakage control. Traditionally, WDN sectorization is conducted by local experts using a trial-and-error approach, often resulting in the identification of arbitrary solutions. Some recently published methods try to improve WDN sectorization by automating the process, especially by using optimization. Various sectorization criteria, constraints, and limitations are introduced, which often fail to consider the issues faced by poorly managed WDNs such as limited funds and shortage of water balance data. These methods also have poor computational efficiency imposed by optimization methods used. This paper presents a new distribution network sectorization method (DeNSE), that overcomes these deficiencies. This method is based on a heuristic procedure in which WDN sectorization is driven by efficient tracking of water balance data and determining the lowest cost investment needed to maintain the same level of operational performance. The above-mentioned set of criteria is particularly well suited for initial sectorization of WDNs when major uncertainties in water balance data often lead to poor management decisions. The DeNSE method is validated and benchmarked against other sectorization methodologies in a case study of a large, real-world WDN. The results show that DeNSE can identify sound, realistic sectorization solutions that are in some respects better than corresponding solutions reported in the literature. DeNSE also enables high computational efficiency, ensuring its applicability to real-world WDNs.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available in a repository or online in accordance with funder data retention policies (EPANET input file for case study network is available online at http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/engineering/research/cws/downloads/benchmarks/). Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request (source code developed for implementation of DeNSE method for sectorization).
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Published In
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 146 • Issue 3 • March 2020
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 10, 2018
Accepted: Jul 23, 2019
Published online: Dec 21, 2019
Published in print: Mar 1, 2020
Discussion open until: May 21, 2020
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