Hydraulic modeling for water networks is now considered to be necessary for the
management of distribution systems worldwide. Advances in technology have greatly
increased the functionality of modeling software. Packages are now Windows based,
can handle larger networks, and can process hydraulic calculations in
significantly reduced times. Links between modeling packages and geographic
information systems (GIS) are becoming commonplace, and links with telemetry are
growing. The increased size and speed of modeling software has raised the
expectations of client users who now require all-mains modeling of their
networks. This increases the amount of data needed to populate the models and
raises the possibility of inaccuracies entering the system, especially where data
is manually digitized into the model and demands are allocated to nodes through
observation. Despite, or perhaps because of, the advances in technology, there is
a very real danger that the costs of hydraulic modeling will increase and the
risk of inaccuracy will grow. Also, advances in traditional modeling techniques
have done nothing to solve the problems of controlling, maintaining and updating
the models once they have been built and the limited set of users to whom they
are available. However, Vivendi Water (United Kingdom (UK)) and Wallingford
Software are developing ways to bring the overall cost of hydraulic modeling down
and to increase the sense of ownership of the models across the business,
spreading the cost through either direct contribution or indirect
benefit. This paper sets out the methods by which costs of hydraulic models can
be reduced while still increasing their value for the overall benefit of the
user. The paper draws on experiences of the authors in promoting hydraulic
modeling to achieve business objectives while maintaining control of costs and
output. This paper describes the water distribution activities of Vivendi Water
(UK), and its requirements for hydraulic modeling. Wallingford Software's role in
hydraulic modeling is outlined briefly. This is followed by an analysis of the
costs of the components of capital works and the modeling component in
particular. As a point of reference, the way in which modeling is done
traditionally in the UK is explained. The way that Vivendi Water (UK) and
Wallingford Software are automating the model building and maintenance process is
described. It is proposed that the potential benefits of automation can only be
achieved with tight model management in place, which is explained. Includes table, figure.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 140 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 10 |
| Published : | 01/01/2000 |
