Hydraulic Modeling
& Engineering Design

GIS Integration: Harnessing the power of GIS, spatial data about the distribution system is integrated into the model. This process involves extracting relevant GIS layers, transforming coordinate systems, and synchronizing data to ensure consistency. This integration offers a comprehensive, geographically anchored view of the system, proving invaluable for both modeling and subsequent analysis.

Creating a Comprehensive Digital Counterpart: The end goal is a holistic digital twin of the water distribution system. This twin serves not just as a reflection but also as a dynamic tool, ready for design, troubleshooting, and optimization tasks.

Transforming Data into Actionable Insights: Through platforms like Power BI and Power Query Editor, the complexity of the output data is distilled into interactive dashboards. These instruments cut through the data clutter, providing clarity and equipping stakeholders with the tools to make informed decisions.

Hydraulic Model Development & Calibration

Detailed Infrastructure Representation: By leveraging GIS platforms such as ArcMap and ArcGIS Pro, hydraulic models are developed using industry-recognized tools like InfoWater and WaterCAD. These models capture the entirety of the water distribution system, representing major components like reservoirs, boosters, control valves, and wells.

Fine-tuned Calibration with Multi-Sourced Data: The calibration process is thorough. SCADA systems, GIS databases, Design Plans, and specialized repositories like Excel or Access databases are all referenced. Pump Design Curves are input into the model and validated against SCADA generated pump curves, ensuring the pump's operation aligns with its design. Control Valve behaviors, loss coefficients, tank geometries, and operational set points are meticulously integrated. Emphasis is also placed on mirroring manual behaviors in the field, capturing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and automating them in the model for accuracy.

Incorporating Real-World Dynamics: Beyond static infrastructure, models also capture dynamic behaviors influenced by diurnal demand curves and seasonal variations in standard operating procedures. This ensures simulations are not just accurate but also reflective of day-to-day and season-to-season operational variations.

Field Data Integration and Validation: In regions lacking SCADA or centralized monitoring, the emphasis is placed on rigorous field data collection. This involves strategic placement of data loggers and harnessing on-site meter readings to anchor the model. Beyond just facility control points, spot-checks in "blind" areas of the distribution system are conducted, reinforcing the model's accuracy throughout. This diligence guarantees that field readings and model outputs coincide, ensuring precision and bolstering confidence across the entire system.

Scenario Analysis & Extended Period Simulations

Utilizing GIS utility network mapping, intricate hydraulic models are crafted to mirror the distribution system at a 1:1 scale. This precision ensures that the models are an accurate representation of the actual infrastructure, setting the stage for detailed extended period simulations (EPS) and in-depth scenario analyses.

  • Calibrated models serve as the foundation for conducting rigorous multi-scenario analyses. These analyses are pivotal for assessing the potential impact of infrastructure upgrades and capital projects under a diverse range of demand conditions and failure scenarios. By simulating various conditions, a comprehensive understanding of system behavior is achieved.

  • Extended period simulations (EPS) play a crucial role in gauging system resilience, especially during peak demands and during both emergency and planned outages. These simulations provide a detailed temporal view of system performance, highlighting potential vulnerabilities.

  • Through these simulations, capacity limitations and system vulnerabilities under high-stress conditions are identified. Based on these findings, targeted recommendations are provided to enhance system resilience and address any identified shortcomings.