A new algorithm for real-time pressure control in water distribution networks

This paper presents a new logic algorithm for real-time control of regulation valves in water distribution networks. This method entails identifying in real time the appropriate closure setting of regulation valves in order to reach and keep the desired piezometric height at the control node(s), by making use of measurements concerning both the piezometric height at the control node(s) and the water discharge in the pipes fitted with regulation valves. In the numerical application herein described this control algorithm is implemented within a hydraulic simulation model and is tested in the case study of a real distribution network, in which there is only one control valve, installed in the pipe linking the serving tank to the network. Results showed excellent performance in terms of pressure regulation (with very small deviations from the desired set-point value) and leakage reduction under various operation conditions.