Optimal operation efficiency and control of water pumps in multiple water reservoir system: Case study in Korea

Mincheol Kim, Taeho Choi, Minhwa Kim, Sungsoo Han, Jayong Koo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pumping regimes for water distribution systems have been established to reduce pump operation costs. Optimization of water reservoir networks has been studied extensively for operating pumps efficiently. According to research, optimization reduces pump operation costs by approximately 10- 20%. However, comparing economic benefits per country would be too complex because the effects of optimization differ depending on the power cost estimation system of each country and the existing operations. This study presents an optimization algorithm to minimize the operating costs of an entire system via the application of dynamic programming. Case studies were conducted to apply the algorithm to real values in four scenarios. By setting cost minimization as an objective, an optimum water pump operation plan was derived that encompasses operating conditions, variations in water demand, and energy costs. Results showed that operating a standby pump in an existing system can increase the system's efficiency. In addition, even if hourly water consumption remains constant, each case requires its own operating method, because each case has different operational costs. By considering various conditions such as those mentioned in this study, future pump operation schedules can be optimized and stabilized to maintain economic water supply.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)59-65
Number of pages7
JournalWater Science and Technology: Water Supply
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

Keywords

  • Dynamic programming
  • Infrastructure maintenance efficiency
  • Optimal pump operation schedule
  • Seasonal electricity surcharge charge

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