Author(s): R. Magini; M. C. Cunha; J. Marques; E. Ridolfi
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Water distribution networks (WDNs) are among the urban infrastructure systems that have the greatest impact on the quality of life and economy of our cities. These systems should be designed to function properly in the present, but also in the unpredictable future. In this regard, the demand for water represents the most uncertain factor due to the random behavior of users and the unknowns about the prospects for urban and socioeconomic development. We find ourselves in what might be termed the 'scenario uncertainty' context, which cannot be described using only information from available data, but requires hypothesizing plausible future scenarios, i. e. particular representations of how reality could behave. Therefore, the objective of this work is to create meaningful future demand scenarios using an entropy-based approach to identify the WDN nodes where changes in water demand will most influence the correct hydraulic operation of the network ('critical nodes'). This approach allows designing WDNs that can be more robust to future changes. Moreover, knowing the most sensitive areas of the WDN could also be a means of directing future urban development plans.
Year: 2024