An assessment of the artificial modelling elements approach to the pressure-driven analysis of water distribution networks

Abstract EPANET 2.2 is a newly introduced upgraded version of 2 that can be used for both pressure-driven analysis (PDA) and demand-driven (DDA) water distribution networks. Moreover, it has certain limitations concerning the minimum required pressure head parameters PDA, which leads to inaccurate simulation results. Another limitation PDA option its inability simultaneously consider pressure-dependent demands with pressure-independent fire demands. In this article, reason spurious convergence identified, shown addressed by extending energy balance criterion include virtual demand links employed in formulation PDA. On other hand, interest methods use artificial modelling elements increasing rapidly. The implementation method presented paper (termed alternative approach) allows an extended period large networks complex patterns, multiple tanks, reservoirs, pumps, valves, thousands pipes. Two benchmark two real-world were analysed approach results compared.