Analysis and Control of Flows in Pressurized Hydraulic Networks

Water transmission and distribution systems are pressurized hydraulic networks, consisting of pipes and other appurtenant components such as reservoirs, pumps, valves and surge devices. Analysis, design and flow control problems in such systems can best be dealt with using network synthesis. This approach aims to directly determine design variables in order to achieve a specified behaviour of the system under steady state or transient flow conditions. There are enormous advantages to be achieved in applying such a model to a wide variety of problems in engineering practice. The innovative theoretical framework described in this thesis, incorporates necessary and sufficient conditions for solvability, as well as methods/algorithms for the efficient solution of network problems.

1. Introduction 2. Background and Objectives of the Study 3. A Generalized Network Model 4. Network Solvability 5. Steady State Simulation: An Optimization Approach 6. Priniciples of Control of Pressure Surges 7. Optimal Control of Pressure Surges by Valve Operations 8. Transient System Component Design for Pressure Surges 9. Control of Transients using Elastic Model 10. Conclusions and Recommendations