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INSTRUCTORS: 
Jim Uber
Paolo Berizzi
Sam Rensenhouse
Masud Rana
S.M. Masud Rana
James Uber
John McCary
Jonathan Keck
Megna Thomas
Matthew Bartos
Lina Sela
Jorge Pesantez
Alessandro Toledo
Avi Ostfeld
Fayzul Pasha
Gal Perelman
Avi Estfeld
Lu Xing
Ye Li
Eshan Shafiee

This techsession will only award PDHs for completion.

Purpose and Background

Technical presentations from the 2024 World Environmental & Water Resources Congress:

Automated estimation of pump characteristics and their use within engineering, operations, and maintenance (11 minutes)

This presentation covers the automated estimation of pump characteristics, focusing on head and efficiency curves, using real-time data. It addresses the challenges of pump degradation over time and its impact on hydraulic models, maintenance, and operations. The estimation process utilizes a regularized least squares approach to accurately predict pump performance, providing insights into degradation that inform economic decisions and maintenance strategies. By improving the accuracy of pump characteristics, engineers can optimize system operations, prevent costly failures, and enhance overall system efficiency.

A Greedy Search Algorithm for Closed Valve Analysis in Drinking Water Networks for Real-time Model Development (15 minutes)

This presentation introduces a greedy search algorithm designed to identify closed valves in drinking water networks using limited pressure and flow data. The method optimizes the search space by focusing on pipes that most significantly reduce simulation errors when closed, enhancing model accuracy in real-time operations. The algorithm is computationally efficient, even when applied to large networks, and has been validated against field data to confirm its effectiveness. This approach is crucial for improving network reliability and minimizing energy losses.

Near-Real Time State Estimation Of Real Water Distribution Systems (11 minutes)

This presentation explores near-real-time state estimation techniques for monitoring water distribution systems, integrating sensor data to provide a dynamic view of network performance. It addresses challenges in data assimilation, including noise reduction and handling incomplete information, to improve the accuracy of hydraulic models. The approach leverages advanced algorithms to estimate flow, pressure, and other critical parameters, offering actionable insights for system optimization. By enabling timely decision-making, this method enhances operational efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and improves service reliability.

Clustering Analysis in Water Distribution Systems for Enhanced Metering Infrastructure Retrofitting (15 minutes)

This presentation discusses the use of clustering analysis to optimize the retrofitting of metering infrastructure in water distribution systems. The method involves segmenting the network based on hydraulic and topological characteristics to identify areas where metering upgrades will have the greatest impact. By grouping similar consumption patterns and pressure zones, the approach enhances the strategic placement of meters, improving data accuracy and coverage. This technique supports more efficient resource allocation, leading to better demand management and reduced water loss.

Integrated Optimal Operation of Water and Power Distribution Systems under Uncertainty An Adjustable Robust Optimization Approach (20 minutes)

This presentation introduces an adjustable robust optimization approach for the integrated operation of water and power distribution systems under uncertainty. It addresses the challenges posed by variable demand and supply conditions, ensuring reliable system performance through coordinated resource management. The method incorporates uncertain parameters into the optimization model, allowing for dynamic adjustments in both water and power networks to minimize costs and risks. By optimizing the interaction between these two critical infrastructures, the approach enhances overall system resilience and efficiency.

Leak Detection and Localization in Water Distribution Networks Using Acoustic Sensors (11 minutes)

This presentation covers advanced techniques for leak detection and localization in water distribution networks using acoustic sensors. It explains how these sensors detect sound waves generated by leaks, allowing for precise identification of leak locations in underground pipes. The approach integrates sensor data with hydraulic models to enhance the accuracy and speed of leak detection, minimizing water loss and reducing maintenance costs. This method is crucial for improving the reliability and efficiency of water distribution systems by enabling timely interventions.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of these sessions, you will be able to:

• Describe how automated estimation of pump characteristics can be applied to improve hydraulic modeling, maintenance planning, and operational efficiency in water distribution systems.
• Explain the application of a greedy search algorithm in identifying closed valves within drinking water networks and its impact on real-time model accuracy.
• Discuss the techniques and challenges involved in near-real-time state estimation of water distribution systems and how they enhance system performance and reliability
• Identify the benefits of using clustering analysis in the strategic placement of metering infrastructure for improved data accuracy and resource management.
• Describe the advantages of using adjustable robust optimization for the coordinated operation of water and power distribution systems under uncertain conditions.
• Discuss the techniques and challenges involved in near-real-time state estimation of water distribution systems and how they enhance system performance and reliability
• Explain how acoustic sensors are used for leak detection and localization in water distribution networks, and their role in reducing water loss and maintenance costs.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Achievement of the learning objectives will be assessed through a short post-test.

Who Should Attend?

• Water resource engineers
• Environmental engineers
• Consulting engineers
• Utility engineers
• Public Agency Engineers
• Utility Directors

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

This course is worth 1.5 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test online and receive a passing score of 70% or higher.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]