Computer-Aided Optimal Pump Selection for Water Distribution Networks

The paper addresses the selection of new pumps as part of a major redevelopment of a large scale urban water-distribution system in which the locations of existing and planned pumping stations are already established. The methodology provides for the selection of pump options that are hydraulically feasible in terms of service-reservoir operation and consumer-supply pressures, and optimal in terms of total network pump-power consumption. The approach relies on a formal analysis of the results of a series of simulations performed at time instants representative of an operational horizon. The selection procedure involves pressure screening, least costing, and reservoir balancing stages at which control configurations that do not meet specified design criteria are rejected. The pumps that participate in the final stage are selected for the network. The methodology provides a global model of the water-network behavior over the whole range of operational conditons that can be used to solve other problems, such as on-line operational control. The methodology was successfully applied to part of London's water system.