Energy and Hydraulic Efficiency in Intermittent Operation of Water Distribution Networks

Abstract

Water distribution is an important service due to its economic, social, and health purpose. Therefore, a continuous supply is required to keep consumers satisfied. However, emergency scenarios of water scarcity, caused by recurrent or exceptional droughts, can impair supply, forcing intermittent operation. This operation has clear disadvantages, such as the increased risk of pathogen intrusion and pipe bursts during filling. However, a reduced number of operation hours, mainly during high-pressure periods, can significantly reduce leakage. It is helpful to preserve the quantity and quality of the main water source during a longer period to maintain its multiple purposes. Considering this new operation, pump stations must be adapted, and energy consumption can significantly increase if an optimal schedule is not determined. Accordingly, this paper studies different levels of intermittency as a strategy to operate under severe water scarcity conditions and identify the gains that can be made in leakage reduction, combined with optimal pump operation, to maintain operational costs at the same level, or better, as continuous operation.