DEVELOPMENT OF MODELS FOR ASSESSING HYDRO-ENERGETIC LOSSES IN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS

Abstract

Current tools and methods for assessing water supply systems no longer meet the new sustainability challenges, mainly the balance of the close relationship between water and energy in the perspective of unsustainable use of water resources and energy crisis. In this context, this study aimed to develop a model for hydro-energetic assessment of water supply systems, based on the systemic approach and diagnostic and simulation actions of the operation of water flows and electricity consumption. The analysis was developed in two steps, namely the development of the model and its formulations and subsequent application to the water supply system using synthetic data. The results showed that the developed model was effective in assessing the proposal, demonstrated easy practical applicability in any unit arrangement, promoted systemic understanding of water and electricity losses in the units in the stages of production, processing and distribution and in the system as a whole, and provided decision making for corrective actions with greater systemic impact. Finally, the proposed model represents an important technology in the search for improved social, economic and environmental sustainability of water supply systems