Inclusion of Water Age in Conjunctive Optimal Operation of Water and Power Grids †

Water distribution systems (WDSs) are critical infrastructure systems designed to safely supply water to consumers. As complex systems, they require constant operational decision-making, which is often the result of an optimization process. WDSs require power for pumping and the operation of water treatment facilities. Power is supplied through power grids (PGs)—essential infrastructure which must be strategically operated as well, under constraints. This work is focused on the effects of PG operation on water quality, which is a major operational challenge of WDSs. The inclusion of the PG as part of the WDS optimal operation problem has the potential of influencing flow directions in the WDS, which in turn affects water quality. In this work, a model for the optimal operation of water and power networks is constructed, including water age considerations. The model is applied to a simple case study, containing a small WDS connected to a small PG. The results demonstrate the effect of PG operation on water quality.