Pump Scheduling for Water Distribution Systems
Darwin Scheduler allows you to optimize pump operations.
By using genetic algorithm optimization to control nominated pumps during an extended period simulation (EPS), it avoids a manual trial and error approach to finding the most efficient operating schedule.
Solutions and costs calculated using Darwin Scheduler can be exported back to the selected scenario.
Darwin Scheduler is one of the efficiency and optimization modules available for WaterCAD. It is included with WaterGEMS.
A brief overview of Darwin Scheduler
Modeling Workflow Recommendations for Darwin Scheduler
Bentley recommends using Darwin Scheduler as the final step in an overall energy management solution that should proceed along the lines of:
- Look at pump efficiency and unit cost (e.g., $/ML pumped) at today's operating points and calibrate the model so that energy modeled equals actual energy used, using WaterCAD/WaterGEMS' energy costing tools.
- Simulate the system with different operating rules in WaterCAD/WaterGEMS.
- Once you have a feel where pump scheduling can make a difference, use Darwin Scheduler to help optimize pumping operations.
Features and Benefits of Darwin Scheduler
Interface and organization
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The all-in-one integrated Darwin Scheduler module provides you with a convenient tabbed window to guide you through the input process:
- Select the scenario to optimize and the set of pumps being scheduled.
- Enter the constraints that must be met by the solutions offered after a run and the energy price data and tank definitions to be used during the optimization.
- After selecting the type of objective and the genetic algorithm parameters, Darwin Scheduler will display the results of optimized runs.
You can also maintain a traceable record of studies, optimized runs, and solutions performed on the model, so that other users can quickly identify the steps that were taken and continue work in the shortest amount of time. |
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Hydraulic constraints
| Darwin Scheduler's contraints tab allows the user to define hydraulic constraints for pressure, velocity, number of pump starts, and tank levels.
Choose to apply these constraints to all elements of the study or to override it locally at specified nodes if desired. |
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Optimized runs
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The settings for an optimized run consist of selecting the pumps to optimize, selecting the objective elements to use, and the genetic algorithm options and parameters that will govern the optimization.
Elements to optimize: Define allowable pump settings and schedule periods and select which elements to include in the optimization run (pumps, variable speed pump batteries, and tanks).
Parameters control: Get full control of the results "fitness" evaluation type, penalty factors, and stopping criteria to ensure the run treats your hydraulic constraints with the correct level of importance. |
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Objectives
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Darwin Scheduler gives you the flexibility to choose between two types of optimization:
- Minimize energy use: This type will try to minimize the energy used. The effect of tariffs making energy cheaper at certain times is neglected in this type of optimization.
- Minimize energy cost: This type uses energy tariffs and peak demand charges to calculate the cost of energy used.
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Output
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Create and view graphical plots of the pump decision results in addition to being able to produce professional-looking and detailed optimization reports.
Quickly and intuitively compare different optimization solutions, looking at results summaries for each of the solution generated by Darwin Scheduler, or drill right down to the individual solutions to look at pump decisions and constraints summary and details, as well as the energy used and cost for each objective element.
Export optimization results back to the base model as either a new scenario or new model alternatives.
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Recorded eSeminars
Optimize Pump Schedule to Minimize Energy Usage
Learn about automated pumping optimization and how it can help you minimize energy usage and costs. The presentation includes a demonstration of the new Darwin Scheduler module included in WaterGEMS.
Finding Energy Thieves in Your Pumping
Most water distribution systems can reduce their pumping energy if they look for situations where they waste energy. Dr. Walski provides some simple guidance on finding and correcting energy waste.
White Papers
Genetic Algorithm Plays a Role in Municipal Water Systems Zheng Wu, Ph.D, advisory software engineer for Bentley. As featured in the SIGEVOlution newsletter, the ACM special interest Group on Genetic and Evolutionary Computation.
What You Need to Know to Install Darwin Scheduler
Prerequisite: A WaterCAD or WaterGEMS license is required to run Darwin Scheduler.
The technical requirements for Darwin Scheduler are the same as the requirements for WaterCAD or WaterGEMS (whichever product you are using Darwin Scheduler with).