WDNs are also the focus in, where a challenge from the water-quality side-particularly, the water-disinfection process in water distribution-is addressed, providing a water-quality model by an online chlorine-decay-model calibration method, which has a strong impact on human health, since its correct concentration is paramount to ensure safe water disinfection. All these methodologies contribute to reducing water loss due to leaks, which may account for up to 65% of the total water depending on the network and, hence, impact water-quantity-management challenges.
On the water-distribution side, these challenges may include fault detection-namely, leak localisation-in water-distribution networks (WDNs), e.g., in, where a process prior to the actual leak localisation-i.e., sensor placement-is carried out using information-theory simulation-based methodology or in, where a new data-driven method for leak location considering pressure measurements and network topological information is presented or in, where simultaneous leak detection and isolation is applied to real data. These challenges may be classified as water-quantity challenges and water-quality challenges. In this Special Issue, a selection of these techniques applied to the integral water cycle-i.e., water distribution and water sanitation-is introduced to address different current water-management challenges.
These challenges impel network managers to improve their methods and techniques for the monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, supervision, and optimisation of the performance of water-related systems to adhere to the current sustainability agenda. The shift from a linear to a circular economy and the need for a transition to a low-carbon production system represents an opportunity to address these emerging challenges related to water, energy, and the efficient use of resources. In the context of global climate change, with the increasing frequency and severity of extreme events-such as draughts and floods-which will likely make water demand more uncertain and jeopardise its availability, those in charge of water system management face new operational challenges because of increasing resource scarcity, intensive energy requirements, growing populations (especially in urban areas), costly and ageing infrastructures, increasingly stringent regulations, and rising attention towards the environmental impact of water use.
0 kommentar(er)
