WET News

Here is the new design. Any enquires should be sent to: sean.austen@ksb.com 01278 458 686 for optimal network performance. "WaterGEMS is beneficial because it allows us to simu- late and choose the best sce- nario. We were able to inte- grate our system and create a virtual model with unrivalled visualisation utilised by all stakeholders to engage and approve this project in record time," says Carvalho. Furthermore, the team could precisely simulate the effects of the expansion alter- natives to meet the future demands of the Water Master Plan 2041 fostering regional development and improved health and quality of life. Simulating new intake sce- narios in WaterGEMS helped the team to determine how to reduce high-pressure loss, auto- mate terrain extraction and node allocation, and optioneer the best pumping strategy with complex pump combinations for optimal, cost-efficient opera- tion. Modelling in WaterGEMS enabled Prolagos to identify the points in the hydraulic system most vulnerable to transients, thereby minimising operational risk. Reduced energy Using WaterGEMS to leverage network data, the team imple- mented a design that reduced energy consumption by 59%, delivered revenue gains of 30%, and generated an annual cost saving of BRL17M (£3.4M). The design enhanced network efficiency and expanded water supply to residents from 91% to 98%. By modelling the various sup- ply scenarios, Prolagos ONSITE HYDRAULIC MODELLING precise, hydraulic modelling to reduce energy consumption related to pumping costs. Integrating the calibrated hydraulic models with a geo- graphic information system (GIS) and a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system made it possible to improve the operational effi- ciency of the intake system by using real-time data and his- torical data, as well as the rele- vant geo-coordination. The project team used the hydraulic network models to simulate the behaviour of existing and planned systems under a wide range of condi- tions. WaterGEMS provided a visual, collaborative solution utilised by all stakeholders, and enabled the team to evalu- ate numerous, what-if scenar- ios for better decision making JANUARY 2018 WET NEWS 13 PROJECT SPECS • Expand the water supply network for Região dos Lagos • Calibrate the hydraulic network model • Reduce energy consumption and non-revenue water • Accommodate increased water demand during high tourist season TECHKNOW • WaterGEMS helped Prolagos model 50-plus hydraulic scenarios for the new water distribution system • The interoperability of WaterGEMS allowed Prolagos to integrate a variety of data • WaterGEMS provided an improved water supply from 91 to 98% of residents • The new water distribution system helped to manage seasonal population fluctuations THE VERDICT "The challenge of water utilities in the 21st century is to be able to respond quickly to the increase of water demand in a more efficient way and with a sustainable approach. The use of software like WaterGEMS allows companies to integrate the entire water network database, including field data, and obtain the best scenario — the one that optimises the water distribution and decreases energy consumption of the system" Wagner Oliveira de Carvalho, senior project manager, Prolagos NEED TO KNOW 1 Prolagos implemented a water network design that reduced energy consumption by 59% 2 Energy savings and revenue gains resulting from the project delivered a total return on investment of 323% 3 Prolagos faced integrating enormous amounts of data from different systems, devices, sensors, and instruments within the water network optimised water distribution during the summer months when demand is at the high- est, and was able to increase the pressure to reach high alti- tudes of the region facilitating a better quality of service. Using WaterGEMS, the team created the hydraulic model and integrated it with SCADA, client demand, the system registry of water-supply network, and maintenance history data to enable all stakeholders to accu- rately visualise the expansion scenarios and compare the best solutions in a fast, simple, and effective manner. The inter-op- erability and user-friendly envi- ronment of WaterGEMS enabled approval of the design in record time, reducing delivery time and cost. WaterGEMS helped the Pro- lagos team to deliver a 323% return on investment resulting from energy savings and reve- nue gains. Carvalho says: "The use of so¡ware such as WaterGEMS allows companies to integrate the entire network database available and obtain the best scenario – the one that opti- mises water distribution and decreases energy consumption of the system." The number of inhabitants can rise from hundreds of thousands to millions during the peak tourist season

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