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Simulation modeling

SIMULATION MODELING

Simulation modeling is used to simulate and analyze hydraulic operating conditions of a water supply system.

The purpose of simulation modeling

Determine the flow distribution, velocity and head loss in network sections, pressure at all points of intersection in a network, and quality of providing consumers with a required flow rate at a correct pressure head. Calculations are performed based on known pipe diameters and water offtake at points of intersection.

An electronic model makes it possible to simulate the performance of a real-life water supply system or study and predict its performance under conditions, which are inexpedient or maybe even impossible to recreate in practice.

Depending on the task, hydraulic calculations can be performed for various operating modes of a water supply system:

  • standard modes, for design or actual flow rates
  • emergency modes, when calculating and analyzing the outcomes of switching sections, turning on and off the pumping equipment and hydrants
  • design conditions, when connecting new consumers or planning a re-installation of pipes in the network.

Calculation features

  • The module allows users to model dead-end and circular water supply systems operating on one or several sources.
  • Users can indicate water or any other service fluid, such as oil or fuel oil, as a working fluid. It is possible to perform calculations for constant and variable water use.
  • It is possible to perform calculations for constant and variable water use.
  • Users can perform calculations based on a daily fluctuation chart and an operating schedule of pumping equipment.
  • ВIt is possible to perform calculations based on the telemetry data received in real time from meters, sensors and controllers, which is saved to a layer by the ZuluOPC service.
  • Users can define consumers by design resistance or outflow through an opening.
  • The module supports various operating modes of pumping equipment. Pumping equipment can be defined by pump function saved as H-Q characteristics, pressure developed by the pump, or head after the pump and the frequency converter.
  • Simulation of operating modes for various equipment. The model includes throttling devices/valves with constant resistance, shut-off valves with set opening positions, pressure and flow rate regulators, standpipes, and hydrants.

Input data for hydraulic modeling

The main input data is a diagram of a water supply system created in the ZuluGIS graphics editor. Users subsequently enter a list of attributes required for hydraulic calculations for all objects of a water supply system.

Each mode is determined by network topology, pressure at the sources, operating parameters of pumping equipment, resistance and properties of pipeline sections, parameters of the regulating equipment installed in the network, and required flow rate at points of delivery with a minimum pressure head . (read more…).

The results of simulation modeling

  • Water distribution across network sections
  • Flow rate, head loss and water velocity in sections
  • Pressure at each point of intersection
  • Distance and water travel time to each element of the network
  • Quality of providing consumers with the required parameters
  • Flow rate and pressure at points of delivery

Simulation results are recorded in databases by objects and can be displayed on a map, used to create thematic maps, pressure drop graphs, or put together as specifications and saved in a report.

Simulation modeling enables users to:

  • Identify impact zones of the sources that operate in the same network.
  • Identify areas with positive or negative pressure.
  • Adjust hydraulic conditions of a water supply system.
  • Determine parameters of the regulating equipment.
  • Evaluate the accuracy of design decisions and assess their effect on the existing hydraulic conditions.
  • Having compared calculated results with data from telemetry and manometric studies of the network, identify areas with increased hydraulic resistance that limit the flow capacity of a water supply system, and hidden leaks.
  • Devise cost-effective plans for network reconstruction.
  • Simulate emergency situations in the network and justify the measures for minimizing the consequences of these emergencies.
  • Simulate the aftermath of large water discharges associated with massive leaks and fires.
  • Assess the impact of switching when transferring a portion of water from one source to another.

More about simulation modeling

See also: Calculating reserve capacity