Techno-economic modelling, analysis and simulation of a water distribution system integrated with pump and autoclave components

Water distribution networks (WDNs), have a complex structure. Their least-cost design and simulation is therefore crucial to convey adequate quantities of water from sources to consumers using the most efficient way. The current research attempts to present an original approach to perform the technical and economic evaluation of a WDN integrated with an autoclave system. For this purpose, a mathematical modelling method is employed to investigate the techno-economic viability of the simulated water system under the effect of the system's design variables. The autoclave's minimum and maximum pressure values as well as the pump flow capacity rates are considered as the free variables of the system and then entered into the proposed analytical model. Afterwards, a tradeoff analysis among the primary components of the system, i.e., pump and autoclave cost has been performed. In the next step, an evaluation on the cost of energy was also carried out to demonstrate the cost variations according to the different pressure values. Results are indicative of the significant changes in the total system cost under the effect of the design variables. In the last stage of this paper, a sensitivity and graphical analysis of the decision variables was also performed to define the input parameters, thus determining the optimum maximum pressure of the autoclave system by which the total cost of the water system is minimized. The technical variables such as the autoclave volume and pump differential head were also investigated during the performed analysis.