Balancing Operating Stability and Cost-Effectiveness of Axial Units through a New Operational Model

Abstract

The traditional operational model for axial units in water supply systems has typically prioritized pumping efficiency or the reduction of electricity costs while neglecting the crucial aspect of operating stability. This study proposes a new operational model, namely the economic-stability model, which aims to calculate the lowest total cost for an operation plan by balancing stability and cost-effectiveness. The operations of start-up, shutdown, and variable angle are converted into economic costs, respectively, to account for the effect of changing working conditions on the total cost. The influence coefficients are formulated to accommodate the transient characteristics of the total operating cost. Efficiency and stability experiments were conducted in a large axial pumping station to gather data on energy characteristics and transient characteristics. A sensitivity analysis and quantitative calculation of the experimental data were carried out. The economic-stability model was applied to calculate the operating scheme based on experimental data. Results indicated that the electricity cost and maintenance costs of the pumping station were reduced while avoiding operation risks. The economic-stability model, therefore, provides a more comprehensive approach to operating axial units that balances stability and cost-effectiveness while achieving water diversion goals.