Dynamic Clustering for Water Distribution System Water Quality Management

A water distribution system can be viewed as a graph consisting of nodes and links. Those characterize the consumers and pipes and other network elements such as pipe junctions, valves, sources, tanks, pumps, and reservoirs. In addition to supplying the consumers required consumptions at required pressures, sustaining resiliency, the ability to detect contaminants, sensor leakage minimization, and others, are warranted. Amongst other methods, one of the approaches to accomplish part of these objectives (e.g., leakage control), is clustering (or district metering areas formation). Clustering algorithms vary with network size and objectives and are continuously evolving into practical techniques. The goal of this study is to introduce a new dynamic (i.e., time-varying) clustering methodology for trading-off system objectives such as cost, resiliency, and water quality (quantified through water age). The method is demonstrated on a small illustrative example application and a more complex water distribution system.