Sensitivity analysis of municipal drinking water distribution system energy use to system properties

Abstract

Municipal Drinking Water Distribution Systems (MDWDSs) consume a significant quantity of energy to transport water, thereby exacerbating greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change. The current study is a sensitivity analysis that uses a network solver to quantify energy savings due to the alteration of three system propertiessystem-wide water demand, storage tank parameters (maximum water level, diameter, elevation), and pumping stations (horsepower, number of boosters, and their locations) of seven diverse MDWDSs. It was found that a 50% reduction in water demand, main pump horsepower, and booster horsepower resulted in an average energy savings of 47, 41, and 9.5% respectively, for the seven systems analyzed. Other properties examined showed insignificant savings. Even though an individual system analysis is more conclusive, this sensitivity analysis can guide optimization studies to focus on the most sensitive properties.

Life‐cycle energy analysis of performance‐ versus age‐based pipe replacement schedules

“…One of the key hypotheses in their distribution system sensitivity analysis was that operational energy consumption is reduced with lower demand because of the reduced pipe velocity and friction energy losses. However, the relationship between demand flow and energy use was not linear in the largest water distribution network examined by Ghimire and Barkdoll (2010). However, the relationship between demand flow and energy use was not linear in the largest water distribution network examined by Ghimire and Barkdoll (2010).…”

“…Ghimire and Barkdoll (2010) commented on the relationship between water demand and system energy consumption. Ghimire and Barkdoll (2010) verified both this assumption and work previously completed by Walski (1993) that showed that energy cost is a fairly linear function of system flow, particularly for smaller systems. Ghimire and Barkdoll (2010) verified both this assumption and work previously completed by Walski (1993) that showed that energy cost is a fairly linear function of system flow, particularly for smaller systems.…”

“…In an effort to determine the factors that significantly affect energy use in municipal water distribution systems, Ghimire and Barkdoll (2010) performed sensitivity analyses on various aspects they assumed would affect a water utility's energy consumption. They studied seven distribution networks to determine how energy use was affected by such factors as increasing and decreasing the systemwide water demand, adjusting the storage tank parameters, and varying the locations of the pumping stations.…”

Reducing life-cycle carbon footprint in the (re)design of water distribution systems using water demand management interventions

“…Pump scheduling can reduce WDS pumping energy cost. Ghimire and Barkdoll (2010) carried out a sensitivity analysis by quantifying energy savings due to the alteration of system-wide water demand, storage tank parameters and pumping stations. In essence, energy requirement in water supply systems can be a useful way of comparing designs and operation.…”

Sensitivity of Optimal Tradeoffs between Cost and Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Water Distribution Systems to Electricity Tariff and Generation

“…In another study, Ghimire and Barkdoll (2010) found that reduction in water demand, main pump horsepower, and booster horsepower can lead to significant energy savings from operations of WDSs.…”