EPANET Simulation of Control Methods for Centrifugal Pumps Operating under Variable System Demand

Abstract Pump operation control under variable system demand is obtained either by throttling the discharge pipe, by using by-pass pipes, by modifying the rotor speed, or by separating the pump and the demand by means of a pressurized tank. We try to assess the efficiency of pump operation control by using a numerical model created in EPANET for a 24 hours period. To avoid the demand driven algorithm used by EPANET, the network model consists of a throttle control valve followed by an emitter. Pump or valves parameters are modified using control statements. Results are consistent with the general theory.