Dynamic topology in water distribution networks

A new approach for the operational management of water distribution networks is herein presented, which introduces district metered areas (DMA) with dynamic topology. The approach facilitates the operation of an open and adaptive network that reverts back to the original DMA structure only at night for leakage detection purposes, therefore eliminating the disadvantages of a closed topology such as reduced resilience to failure and suboptimal pressure management. The concept and technology is currently being implemented on a water distribution network in the UK, and a novel optimization method used for its control has been derived that is fast and reliable. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the CCWI2013 Committee