208 Aquadapt Solver
The Aquadapt Solver is at the heart of the Aquadapt suite. Developed by a team of process engineers and mathematicians it encapsulates the real-world dynamics of a water distribution system. The starting point is the client's unique hydraulic network configuration and operational requirements. A mathematical representation of the distribution system is then configured and from this model the optimal pumping schedules are derived.
Aquadapt software runs on a standard office PC and even with modest hardware can produce optimal pumping schedules in minutes regardless of the size of the distribution system.
The Aquadapt Solver's impressive speed allows it to be run regularly and interactively. This speed of solution is essential when working within real-time energy markets. It updates the operations schedule every half hour to respond to changing demand and operating conditions. It also:
- Interacts with the client's SCADA system
- Can be run manually any time to test scenarios and/or incorporate manual settings
- Schedules of pump on and off times
- Variable speed drive pump settings (see below diagram)
- Valve flow settings
- Water Treatment Plant raw and final water flow settings
- Reservoir and tank levels and volumes
- Water demand by zone
- Pump station flow
- Pump station power and energy use
- Pump station electricity costs
- Water Treatment Plant costs (chemical and electricity)
Predict Demand and Adapt
There are many unknown variables in a water distribution system. Of these water demand is the hardest to predict with any accuracy, as it is dependent on weather and human behavior. The Aquadapt Solver has to be able to predict likely future water demand and adapt to unforeseen changes caused by equipment failure or changing weather patterns. This capability to adapt in real time to unpredictable events is a key benefit of the Aquadapt Solver, made possible by its speed of solution.
Respond to Electricity Tariffs
Aquadapt software can use Standard Offer of Service, Real-Time or Day-Ahead market prices. Live data feeds are supported via open standard or proprietary interfaces. The Aquadapt Solver uses up-to-date tariff information to find the lowest cost schedules while remaining within network operating constraints. Longer-term electricity peak demand charges are also incorporated in the solution.
Work Within Operating Constraints
The Aquadapt Solver actively manages operational reliability and water quality. Operators can review the predicted data such as storage levels and then selectively guide the Solver to improve the desired outcomes. The Aquadapt Solver works within a network's operating constraints such as:
- Reservoir and Tank minimum and maximum operating limits
- Water Treatment Plant available flow rates and rate change requirements
- Distribution system pressure constraints
- Pump Station's operational and electrical restrictions
- Water turn-over requirements
- Bulk transfer into or out of the distribution system
- Tanks or pumps out of service
- Verifies hydraulic solutions using an inbuilt EPANET model
- Interfaces to electricity data including real-time markets
- Uses current operating constraints for every solution
