Implementation of On‐Line Control Scheme for City Water System

Abstract

The provision of on‐line computer‐based control schemes for water‐supply and distribution systems has for many years eluded the water industry because of the unavailability of reliable applications modules, as well as the limitations on computing power. Recent technological advances, however, have enabled the development and implementation of one such scheme for a major city (Severn‐Trenk Water) network in the United Kingdom. Specific objectives for such an on‐line control implementation include demand prediction based on historical records, least‐cost pump scheduling based upon predicted demand consumption, management of all the on‐line data, coordination of the real‐time activities, monitoring of all major system data, generation of appropriate alarm messages and signals, and advice on regulatory decisions during the control period. The paper describes in some detail the various aspects of such a control scheme, which has been implemented with encouraging results.