Energy analysis of the pumping system of the water distribution network of Chieri, Italy

The growing challenges of population growth, urbanization, and climate change necessitate the optimization of water distribution and pumping systems to ensure reliable supply while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact. This study presents a comprehensive analysis on the hydraulic simulation and energy analysis of the water distribution network (WDN) of Chieri in Piedmont, aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of urban water systems. Using real time data from an urban water distribution network, the developed simulation model is applied to optimize pump scheduling, pressure management, and leak detection strategies to minimize energy consumption and operational costs while ensuring reliable water supply to final users. Subsequently, utilizing InfoWorks WS Pro, a simulation framework is developed to evaluate the hydraulic performance and energy consumption of WDNs under various operating conditions and demand scenarios. The model incorporates dynamic simulations of pumps, valves, and storage tanks to accurately replicate system hydraulic behaviour and energy requirements. In the model obtained by InfoWorks WS Pro, the simulation results are calibrated compared to the real live measurements of data for discharge and pressure within the system. In this way the model can be considered reliable and representative of the real-world situation, therefore suitable for management and planning evaluations. Additionally, the minimum night flow (MNF) approach is integrated into the simulation framework to assess leakage within districts during low-demand periods. By analysing the discrepancy between observed and expected flows during minimum night flow conditions, potential leakage points are identified and quantified. At the final stage of this study, the energy requirement and energy analysis of the WDN are calculated and compared with the real energy consumption of the system based on the bills and electricity tariffs. Consequently, the reducible energy due to the pumping, friction, and leakage losses of the network is evaluated. This allows us to assess the economic advantages of reducing these losses. This thesis contributes to the advancement of WDN simulation and energy analysis methodologies, providing valuable insights for water utilities and policymakers to enhance the efficiency and resilience of urban water infrastructure. Future research directions include the integration of renewable energy sources, advanced control strategies, and multi-objective optimization techniques to further improve the sustainability of water distribution systems.