Eco-Layouts in Water Distribution Systems

Abstract

To achieve maximum efficiency in water-pressurized transport it is necessary to perform a global analysis, whenever possible starting from the system's conception. The first stage of the process is the network layout, the main topic of this paper. And the optimum topology from an energy point of view (or eco-layout) is the one that, insofar as is feasible, allows equalizing the network's pressure to the set pressure standards. Eco-layouts can be easily designed in new systems but are difficult to implement, mainly in the short-term, in operating networks. Nevertheless, as no system is eternal, the required actions can be gradually implemented. Therefore, the main goal of this paper is to identify and discuss these guidelines and actions, some apparently contradictory to current design criteria, whereas others endorse modern management trends. These strategies can be summarized in two points: Firstly, providing lower pressure to consumers saves energy. Secondly, setting up smaller pressure zones in terms of the elevation steps between zones will enable water companies to supply water at lower pressure in hilly areas. In the end, in networks with more efficient layouts, important energy savings can be achieved.

Quick energy assessment of irrigation water transport systems

“…In the design phase of new systems, energy efficiency must be a fundamental concern. This work synthesises previous research (Cabrera et al, 2015;Cabrera et al, 2018 andCabrera et al, 2019) and focuses on their concepts and presents a quick assessment of the energy efficiency of the reported systems. The proposed method is accessible to a wide range of professionals.…”

“…This energy is not an energy loss linked to the system's operation, although, in practice, it implies that more energy is supplied than is strictly necessary. Therefore, it is advisable to associate that energy with another type of inefficiency, that is structural loss (Cabrera et al, 2019). The second difference is the potential presence of several energy sources.…”

“…The value of θ enables the decoupling of the total energy losses and, therefore, the identification of the most effective improvement strategies. Better management reduces the operational losses, while structural losses can only be diminished with a layout modification (Cabrera et al, 2019).…”

Hacia un cambio de paradigma en el diseño de redes hidráulicas

“…Ni hay que recuperarla (PATs) ni hace falta eliminarla (VRP). La jerarquía de las tres erres, típica de la gestión de residuos (reducir, reusar y reciclar), en este caso deviene en reducir (modificando el trazado), recuperar (con un PAT) y remover o eliminar (con una VRP) (Cabrera et al 2019).…”

Water and Energy Demand Management in Pressurized Irrigation Networks

“…Researchers and professionals studied several strategies to reduce energy consumption [9], designing pressurized irrigation networks (PIN) layouts to minimize this requirement [10], improving PIN performance, network sectoring by grouping hydrants into sectors and organizing farmers irrigation time in rigid rotation scheduled irrigation [11,12], as enhancing the energy efficiency of pumping devices [13][14][15] or as advancing in water productivity [16,17]. Other approaches deal with variable speed drives [18][19][20], critical points control [21], with electricity costs [22,23] or with optimizing pressure regulation facilities location [24].…”