Sensitivity of Energy Use to Factors in Pipe Replacement Planning for a Large Water Distribution System

Abstract A previous study completed by the authors used a life-cycle energy analysis approach to evaluate energy associated with pipe replacement schedules in a large distribution system, thereby identifying several factors that contributed to life cycle energy consumption. This paper examines the impact of parameters within the calculation of life cycle energy consumption with a sensitivity analysis. Leak duration, leak volume, break rate model coefficients, and pump efficiency were evaluated. The results of the analysis suggest that investments in improving pump efficiency are likely to yield greater energy savings than investments in leak detection or leakage volume quantification.