Optimised control of water distribution systems

Typical system operating conditions are analysed to determine cost factors and control requirements, and hence permit development of system performance criteria. Combining a suitable optimisation technique and a simplified model enables a computer algorithm to be devised which can be applied to give optimal control of complex systems, taking account of all significant cost factors and operational constraints. The control scheme incorporates a simulation of the overall dynamics of a water system, which is used with historical operating data for validation purposes. The results confirm the theoretical predictions, and show that benefits can be obtained from online computer-controlled operations.