Uniformity and Heuristics-Based DeNSE Method for Sectorization of Water Distribution Networks

Abstract

Sectorization of a Water Distribution Network (WDN) into District Metered Areas (DMAs) is a proven solution for proactive leakage control. Traditionally, WDN sectorization is done using a "trial and error" approach conducted by local experts which often results in arbitrary solutions being identified. A number of methods published recently tried to improve WDN sectorization by automating the process, especially by using optimization. Various sectorization criteria, constraints and limitations are introduced, often neglecting limited funds and shortage of water balance data often encountered in poorly managed WDNs. These methods also suffer from low computational efficiency imposed by optimization methods used. This paper presents a new, Distribution Network SEctorization (DeNSE) method that overcomes these deficiencies. The new method is based on a heuristic procedure where the WDN sectorization is driven by efficient tracking of water balance and least cost investment for implementation while maintaining the same level of WDN's operational performance. Aforementioned set of criteria is particularly well suited for initial sectorization of poorly managed WDNs, in which great uncertainty in water balance data often leads to poor management decisions. DeNSE method is validated and benchmarked against several literature sectorization methodologies on a real-sized WDN. The results obtained demonstrate the ability of the DeNSE to identify set of good, realistic sectorization solutions that are in some respects better than the corresponding solutions reported in the literature. The new method also enables sectorization to be done in a computationally efficient manner ensuring its applicability to large, real-life sized WDNs.

Partitioning of Water Distribution Network into District Metered Areas Using Existing Valves

“…Such algorithms require a significant amount of computational time. The computational complexity of the optimization model is of high concern, especially for heuristic methodologies [10,16,24,25] to find near-optimal solutions. Along with the development of heuristic methodologies, many-objective optimization tools swarm intelligence algorithms (like multi-objective agent swarm optimization) and evolutionary algorithms (like NSGA-II, NSGA-III, BORG algorithm) are also catching the attention [23,26,27].…”

“…The permanent boundary approach efficiently solved the problems of leakage reduction and establishing pressure uniformity in WDNs [9]. However, DMAs with permanent boundaries present some disadvantages like reduced resilience, deterioration of water quality [10], and occurrence of dead ends near closed pipes. In case of bursts or any other type of failure, manual valve operations are required to overcome the emergency conditions, and hence such a reactive operational approach does not provide immediate and effective incident management.…”

Evaluating the Efficiency of Water Distribution Network Sectors Using the DEA-Weight Russell Directional Distance Model: The Case of the City of Valencia (Spain)

“…Designing an optimal sectorization solution for existing and operating WDN is an extremely difficult task. Traditionally, WDN sectorization is conducted by local experts using a trial-and-error approach, often resulting in the identification of arbitrary solutions [67]; however, the design and operational settings should be optimized to satisfy water-demand, water-quality, pressure constraints, as well as efficiency indices under stringent conditions [68]. In this sense, some recently published methods try to improve WDN sectorization using optimization and introducing various sectorization criteria, constraints, and limitations.…”

“…In this sense, some recently published methods try to improve WDN sectorization using optimization and introducing various sectorization criteria, constraints, and limitations. However, they often fail to consider the issues faced by poorly managed WDNs such as limited funds and shortage of water balance data [67].…”

Sectorization for Water Distribution Systems with Multiple Sources: A Performance Indices Comparison

“…The second stage deals with the placement of flowmeters and valves based on some PI to be optimized. Several alternatives for these indicators were used in the literature: resilience index [8,22,23], background leakages [16], number of flow observations [12,16] in addition of hydraulic indicators as water age, entropy [8], and dissipated power [5] (see ref. [24] for an improvement of this method).…”