Multi-Input Water Network Pressure Control to Cut Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water supply systems face challenges in maintaining desired pressure and flow mix across a sector of a water supply network, leading to excessive leakage and energy consumption due to fixed pressure profiles that are often higher than necessary.
Innovation Solution
A control system that dynamically adjusts input pressure and flow from multiple input lines based on real-time flow and pressure data from sensors, using pressure and flow regulating systems to ensure minimum required pressure is maintained while optimizing leakage and energy use, with optional asymmetric or symmetric control methods and predictive algorithms for flow forecasting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed pressure profile is chosen higher than required minimum in a conservative fashion, then desired pressure is ensured at all extraction points, but water loss by leakage increases and pumping energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure control by continuously adjusting the pressure profile based on real-time flow demands and network conditions. The control system modifies pressure levels dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed conservative profile, ensuring minimum pressure requirements are met while reducing excessive pressure that causes leakage and energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring flow demands, pressure levels, and leakage patterns in real-time. This feedback information is used to continuously optimize the pressure profile, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions and adjust pressure levels to the minimum necessary levels while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a fixed pressure profile is chosen higher than required minimum in a conservative fashion, then desired pressure is ensured at all extraction points, but water loss by leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure control by continuously adjusting the pressure profile based on real-time flow demands and network conditions. The control system modifies pressure levels dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed conservative profile, ensuring minimum pressure requirements are met while reducing excessive pressure that causes leakage and energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically based on actual network conditions and flow demands. By adjusting pressure levels to match actual requirements rather than maintaining a fixed high profile, the system reduces water leakage while ensuring adequate pressure availability at all extraction points.
3Reliability
If multiple water supply sources are used to provide redundancy and desired water mix, then service reliability improves, but control complexity increases to ensure desired pressure and flow mix
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system that can manage multiple water supply sources simultaneously. The control system is designed to handle various functions including pressure regulation, flow distribution, and mixing ratios for multiple sources through a single integrated platform, reducing overall control complexity while maintaining service reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates self-service capabilities by automatically adjusting flow distribution and pressure levels based on real-time conditions. The system autonomously manages the complexity of coordinating multiple water supply sources without requiring constant manual intervention, simplifying operation while ensuring reliable service continuity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a control system (15) for controlling a water supply from at least two separate input lines (3i-k) into a sector (1) of a water supply network, wherein the control system (15) is configured to receive continuously, regularly or sporadically input flow information indicative of the water input flow (qi-k) through each of the input lines (3i-k), wherein the control system (15) is configured to receive input pressure information indicative of the input pressure (pi) in at least a first one (3i) of the input lines (3i-k), wherein the control system (15) is configured to receive continuously, regularly or sporadically sector pressure information indicative of at least one pressure value (pcri,m,n) determined by at least one pressure sensor (7m,n) within the sector (1) of the water supply network, wherein the control system (15) is configured to control the input pressure (pi) by controlling at least a first pressure regulating system (13i) at the first input line (3i) based on the input flow information from all input lines (3i-k) and based on the sector pressure information.