Efficient energy management of a large-scale water supply system

Efficient energy management is important for water companies in order to meet economic and environmental targets. For many water supply systems, increased savings can only be accomplished by taking into account the non-linear characteristics of the system in terms of both heads and flows and mixed-integer decision variables. Scheduling must be achieved with complicated tariffs that are frequently changed throughout the year, as well as changes to the network structure. The article shows a case study for energy management of a large-scale network using the computer-aided water network engineering software called FINESSE. The network is a typical large-scale supply network supplying many towns and cities. The model of the network includes 4388 pipes, 35 pumps, 63 variable control valves, 10 non-return valves and 16 variable head reservoirs. The study resulted in a set of mixed-integer optimal schedules that achieved a 14% saving in electrical energy while satisfying operating constraints.