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Pumping cost optimization in looped water networks with storage capacity through the searching of the setpoint curve

Abstract:

The pumping cost optimization still being a priority to minimize the operating costs in a water network due to the high cost ofenergy. In that context before to optimize the operation of installed pumps, it is required to find out the optimal operational points of each pump station independently of its associated featuresof flow rate and pumping head thatare limited and limit the optimal solution. Thus, the aim of this work is to find the minimum energy curve (i.e.flow rate and pumping head) with the minimum costthat should be followby each pumpstation to keep the minimum nodal pressure required by the network within a specific storage range in the tanks. This concept is known as setpoint curve. The objective function to be minimizedconsidersthe pumping cost with a diary structureof the energy fare, the water treatment costs and penalty costs related to the nodal pressure and the storage capacity of the network. To carry out the optimization the Differential Evolution algorithm has been applied. The proposed methodology has been tested in the water network D-town BWN II which has five pumping stations and seven tanks.Results show the maximum savings that it is possible to achieve in pump stations and gives important informationto select a suitable pumping systemthat fit with theoptimal operation ofthe network.