The Resilience of Numerical Applications to Design Drinking Water Networks
Abbas A. Khanoosh, Esraa H. Khaleel, Wesam S. Mohammed-Ali
Abstract
Hydraulic analysis of water distribution networks stands as a paramount mathematical application within the realm of water resources engineering.The EPANET software, established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, serves as a model for water flow within distribution systems and is employed in the design and analysis of distribution networks, along with addressing pressing issues in water distribution management, such as water quality investigation.The software's distinctiveness is attributed to its reliance on the Hybrid Node Loop (HNL), which accelerates the numerical resolution of problems with intersecting equations.In this study, the Tikrit University Campus was selected as the site to examine the pressure and discharge behavior within the water distribution network during morning and evening pumping periods.It was observed that the pressure values exhibited a decrease in the university's north-western sections and buildings, particularly those distant from the pumping station, during the morning pumping periods.This pattern is attributable to the heightened demand in the colleges and faculty residential neighborhood, suggesting a correlation between high consumption and reduced pressure values.In the evening period, characterized by a diminished population of students and employees in the university's colleges, an elevated pressure level within the network was noted, likely due to the reduced demand level.However, demand remained high in the female students' dormitories and the faculty residential neighborhood.Interestingly, the male students' dormitory, being remote from the pumping station and supplied with water through the network's end following the faculty residential neighborhood, maintained low pressure values across both periods.This study underscores the need for strategic planning in the design and management of water distribution networks, particularly in areas with variable consumption patterns and demand levels.