Developing a Block Diagram Method to Modelling Hydraulics and Control of Water and Wastewater Systems Using Maths Based Dynamic Simulation Computer Software.

MWH set out to develop the usage of a block diagram method to model hydraulics and control of Water and Wastewater Systems using maths based dynamic simulation computer software instead of conventional network diagram type hydraulics packages. In using a maths based package it was further hoped that greater flexibility could be achieved for incorporating intricate control of systems and tailoring the models to meet specific requirements. Once the method had been developed it would be applied to ‘real’ projects to design systems and the results from the models would be compared with field data to determine the accuracy and limitations of the method.So far, the study has lead to the development of a basic block diagram approach and the creation of a method for constructing hydraulic and control models. To date, this basic approach has led to the construction of several ‘real’ systems. The systems modelled vary in complexity and the purpose of the modelling work has generally been to develop basic concepts into full solutions and to give MWH confidence in the suitability of proposed solutions. The results from the models have been verified against combinations of hand calculations, spreadsheet models and real site data to establish the accuracy. The results of the models have been encouraging and the study has shown, so far, that a high level of accuracy can be achieved using this method. This is not surprising since the method allows the user to manipulate all of the functions and change any of the variables and factors to fit each specific situation. Further data will be gathered from the solutions implemented so that the process of evaluating the accuracy and limitations of the method can continue.