Optimal Control of Water Supply Pumping Systems

Abstract

The requirements and basic components of a typical optimal control environment for water‐supply pumping systems are presented and discussed. Examined model components include hydraulic network models, demand forecast models, and optimal control models. A review of existing optimal control methodologies for water‐supply pumping systems is also provided. Examined methodologies are classified on the basis of the type of system to which the methodology can be applied (single source‐single tank or multiple source‐multiple tank), the type of hydraulic model used (mass balance, regression, or hydraulic simulation), the type of demand model used (distributed or proportional), the type of optimization method used (linear programming, dynamic programming, or nonlinear programming), and the nature of the resulting control policy (implicit or explicit). Advantages and disadvantages of each approach are presented, along with recommendations for future work. The applicability of current technology to an existing water‐supply pumping system is examined in light of existing technical limitations and operator acceptance issues.