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A Modeling and Simulation Method for Preliminary Design of an Electro-Variable Displacement Pump
Published on: June 1, 2022
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Pressure dependent analysis in premise plumbing system modeling.
Jonathan B Burkhardt1, John Mino2, Feng Shang1
1Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
AWWA Water Science
|July 10, 2023
Summary
Accurate modeling of premise plumbing systems requires understanding fixture-specific pressure and flow rate relationships. This study developed unique parameters and used the Water Network Tool for Resilience (WNTR) to analyze system impacts.
Area of Science:
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Water Systems Modeling
- Plumbing System Analysis
Background:
- Premise plumbing systems significantly influence water distribution network performance.
- Accurate modeling necessitates understanding fixture-specific pressure-flow dynamics.
- Variable service pressure and building-wide demands complicate flow rate predictions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop experimentally derived pressure-flow parameters for common plumbing fixtures.
- To investigate the impact of premise plumbing systems on water distribution models using WNTR.
- To highlight the necessity of detailed building-scale considerations in water network analysis.
Main Methods:
- Experimental derivation of unique pressure-flow parameters for four faucets, a shower/tub fixture, and a toilet.
- Utilized the Water Network Tool for Resilience (WNTR) for hydraulic modeling.
- Analyzed two skeletonization cases of water distribution systems incorporating premise plumbing impacts.
Main Results:
- Flow rates within premise plumbing systems exhibit complex, pressure-dependent behaviors.
- Experimentally derived parameters provide a more accurate representation of fixture performance.
- Minimum pressures in aggregated models must account for building-scale pressure drops and components.
Conclusions:
- Accurate premise plumbing modeling requires integrating fixture-specific pressure-flow characteristics.
- The Water Network Tool for Resilience (WNTR) is valuable for assessing system interdependencies.
- Ignoring building-scale factors leads to inaccuracies in water distribution system simulations.
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