Automatic Multiscale Approach for Water Networks Partitioning into Dynamic District Metered Areas

Abstract

This paper presents a novel methodology to automatically split a water distribution system (WDS) into self-adapting district metered areas (DMAs) of different size. Complex networks theory is used to propose a novel multiscale network layout made by landmark and key nodes for the water supply plus the hyper-links representing the connection between them. The proposed multiscale layout partitioning was tested on a real medium-size water distribution network. This is shown to naturally support further DMA aggregation / disaggregation operations with the direct benefit of providing a better dynamic system control and superior efficient water management than static DMA configurations, particularly in the case of abnormal functioning conditions. The proposed tool gives the possibility to automatically define a dynamic partitioning of WDSs according to spatial and temporal water demand variability, ensuring an efficient, sustainable and low-cost management of the system whilst simultaneously preserving the hydraulic performance of the WDS.

Water Network Partitioning into District Metered Areas: A State-Of-The-Art Review

“…Finally, graph-based semi-supervised learning methods were conducted. A similar method was found in a study by Giudicianni et al [36,88] in which semi-supervised multiscale clustering was used to create dynamic DMAs. Compared with methods that use only topological connectivity or vector information, semi-supervised clustering showed improvement by integrating both forms, leading to the efficient development of robust DMAs.…”

“…This is an approach proposed by Todini [98] to measure system resilience when redesigning a system or when system malfunction occurs. Based on that criterion, when reconstructing the system by creating isolated DMAs, several studies [34,36,46,60] have used a resilience index (Equation 14) as an objective function for sectorization optimization. The objective function can be maximized to indicate that a greater surplus of available power leads to a higher network resilience such that:…”

“…In abnormal cases, such as pipe breaks, fire-fighting, and unexpected increases in water demand, permanent DMAs may produce failures in preserving or maintaining regular water supplies. To adapt to such conditions and overcome the drawbacks that a permanent DMA can cause, Giudicianni et al [36,88] proposed creating dynamic DMAs that allow for expansion of existing DMAs. That is, the small DMAs are dynamically aggregated into larger ones using a semi-supervised clustering algorithm.…”

“…Several smarter and more efficient approaches have been proposed to create optimal DMA layouts. Although the algorithms applied in each study are different, the WNP process commonly consists of two phases, clustering and sectorization [36,37]. Figure 2 summarizes the general procedures for WNP.…”

Improved Hydraulic Simulation of Valve Layout Effects on Post-Earthquake Restoration of a Water Distribution Network

“…The district isolation can also ease pressure management and protect the network from accident or contamination events. Recently, Giudicianni et al [40] proposed creating dynamic DMAs that allow for the expansion of existing DMAs to improve network resilience by overcoming the failure events. In this study, the valve locations were determined based on the pipe diameter to objectively compare and analyze the effect of valve layouts on seismic restoration.…”