Numerical tool for hydraulic modelling: an educational approach

Abstract

The scientific research devoted to modelling and simulation of water supply systems is, most of the times, dependent on the use of computer simulation programmes that requires a previous understanding on each specific programme particularities. At the same time, such programmes do not demonstrate to be open, with unconcealed data, simple and intuitive enough for teaching practices in the field of hydraulics. Therefore, other educational tools or approach should be taken. A numerical educative tool, developed in an Excel spreadsheet for the modelling and simulation of water networks operations is presented in this article. Intuitive and easy to adapt to several situations, the developed Excel-based tool presents large possibilities, not only for decision support concerning the application of certain efficiency measures but also for pedagogical activities, allowing to understand with detail and immediately the effect of any control and/or design change in the daily operation of a water network, and hence in the associated daily energetic costs. Additionally, a number of analyses concerning the convenience of applying efficiency measures in such systems (namely the use of variable speed pumps) is suggested and performed resorting to the developed tool. The developed tool has been applied in Fluid Mechanics classes with large success, demonstrating great potential for educational purposes.