Keywords
dynamic model
computer modelling
water distribution system
water ages
fresh water flows
How to Cite
Abstract
This research study employs mathematical modelling to reconstruct the real operating conditions of a water distribution system by examining the structure of water supply and consumption in the town of Olecko, home to approximately 17,000 residents. The conducted calculations made it possible to develop a model representing the operation of the water supply network and enabled the formulation of rational and optimal decisions affecting the efficient functioning of the entire system under various assumed situational events. The modelling process is presented as a common and effective tool supporting rational and optimal management of water distribution systems. At the same time, numerous possibilities of computer-based modelling and processing of accurate real-world data are demonstrated. The scope of the study included an analysis of the network model in terms of the fundamental quality parameters that the network should meet, such as flow velocity, pressure, unit head losses, water age, and operating conditions during simulated events such as system expansion or failure distributed across the assumed time variants. The research was closely related to the use of mathematical modelling, taking into account both economic and design aspects from the perspectives of the user and the system operator. The study also presents a situational variant related to a planned modernisation aimed at improving the performance of the system through the expansion of the water network with new pumps and pipeline sections. The EPANET software, distributed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), was used for the simulations.
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