A decision support tool for operational optimization in WDNetXL

The pumping energy is a relevant element of WDN operational costs. If tanks are used to store water, pumping optimization generally results into a less number of working pumps during the daylight hours when the electricity tariff is generally higher. Nevertheless, optimal solutions should also account for leakage component of demand which increases with pressure. In addition, the optimization of water distribution networks sometimes may require also resizing/upgrading of existing asset elements including pipes, tanks and pumps. Starting from the Battle for Water Networks II problem, this contribution presents a practical decision support tool for WDN operational optimization as new tailored function in the WDNetXL system (www.hydroinformatics.it). Capital cost and/or operational cost and/or non-revenue water can be simultaneously minimized accounting for different decision variables like controls for pumps, pipe diameters, tank sizes and pumping stations. The WDNetXL system also facilitate analysis and successive refinement of solutions according to engineering expertise.