Optimal control in a pipeline coupled to a pressure reducing valve for pressure management and leakage reduction

This paper proposes a model predictive control strategy to optimize the management and reduce water losses due to leaks in water distribution systems (WDS). First, the mathematical model of the pipeline is presented. The model includes a possible leak and a pressure reducing valve (PRV), which is considered the actuator of the system. Second, to deal with the nonlinear behaviour of the PRV and constraints, a model predictive controller is considered to track the desired pressure profile at a critical node of the WDS. Simulations based on a realistic model of a WDS are presented to demonstrate the controller performance under two scenarios: leak-free and with a leak. The results show a considerable reduction in water losses that demonstrate the applicability of the method.