Understanding optimization of pumping systems in hydraulic networks

Drinking water treatment and distribution system operation consumes a large amount of electricity.

Optimizing energy usage can provide benefits to water quality, as well as savings to customers.

SCADA Utility:

To streamline efficiency, many drinking water utilities rely heavily on supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.

Systems are programmed to:

• Increase operational efficiency
• Anticipate fluctuations in demand patterns for pump control
• React to emergencies
• Monitor storage volumes
• A host of other monitoring parameters

InfoWater Pro Scheduler App:

Assists water distribution system operators in selecting cost-effective pumping policies, to both reduce operational costs and to provide more reliable operations.

Results can be translated to SCADA systems (by separate means outside of InfoWater Pro) for practical use.

Before Running the Scheduler App:

Important to consider where savings can be realized based on constraints and variables of water distribution system.

For example, optimizing pumping system may not work at all times for every day of the year.

In maximum day scenario, pipelines and pumps may already be at maximum capacity, or storage may be at minimum capacity.

Can still look for key conditions to save money.

Considerations:

What is the system configuration? Might be difficult to optimize system with no storage. For example, in pump-only system or consecutive wholesale system without storage, demand equals water supplied.

Is electricity billing rate tied to highest usage in year? Can energy be purchased at wholesale or reduced rate based on previous usage? Can pumping happen during off-peak hours?

Have cost penalty weighting factors been considered? For example, if no penalties for low junction pressure or pump flow, most cost-effective solution would be to never run pumps, although not realistic or workable. Anything that should be optimized must be built into Scheduler setup, including control valves or pumps filling tank.

What is pumping objective of water distribution system—to deliver head and flow to a tank, supply demands, or a combination? Does storage need to be maintained? What is ideal cycling of water system?

What is optimal pumping schedule? Think about how to satisfy system hydraulic and water quality criteria while trying to minimize electrical costs for consumption and demand. Also need to consider maintenance costs. For instance, how will running pumps alternatively or in rotating sequence reduce wear on motors, bearings, impellers or switchgear?

Having a thorough understanding of these considerations can help you get the most out of the Scheduler app.