In pipeline transmission systems, the pumping costs often constitute the
major part of the operating costs. In order to minimize the pumping
costs, AQUIS Operation includes an optional Pump and Reservoir Optimization
module.
The AQUIS Operation Pump and Reservoir Optimization module enables you to determine the optimal pumping
schedule for a pipeline system for a given period of time (user
defined), while taking the following points into account:
- Demand schedules
- Storage capacities of reservoirs
- Power costs (unit costs may vary over time)
- Other operational costs, for instance costs for stopping and starting of
pumps
- Capacity and availability of pumps and other equipment
The following dynamic input is assumed for each pipeline system as the basis
for running an optimization:
- Demand vs. time = net outflow from end point terminal reservoirs
- Power unit costs vs. time for each pumping station
- Pumps not available vs. time
- Current levels in reservoirs
These data may be retrieved from the SCADA system, via the real-time data
interface, or they may be entered manually.
In addition, the following static equipment data must be available:
- Volume vs. level curves for each reservoir
- Max./min. water levels of each reservoir
- Pump characteristics and power curves for each different type of pump
(the module is capable of taking wear of the pump into account in the
power calculations)
- Allowable area of operation of pumps, for example max./min. speed of
rotation, surge limit and stonewall limit
The information above produces the following main output:
- Flow set point or pressure set point for each pumping station vs. time
- Resulting levels in reservoirs vs. time
- Costs of optimal operation vs. time
The flow set point or pressure set point for each pumping station may be sent
back to the SCADA system automatically. The optimization algorithm is based
on the dynamic programming technique.