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The aim of this work is to analyze the applicability of a convex hyperbola chart's methodology to determine how many pumps should be working in a pumping station of a real case study to consume the least amount of energy. The applicability of the convex hyperbola charts is demonstrated, its effectiveness is shown, and a step-by-step exemplification is presented. Moreover, the order in which pumps should be activated is analyzed and discussed. The pumping station of the optimization is located in Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain; it consists of a pumping station of four (+1 reserved) hydraulic pumps that take water from a reservoir and distribute it through a branched pipeline. The geometric height difference Hg of the case study is variable. This article also shows how the variability of Hg plays a major role in the optimal configuration of the pumping station. This paper also proves how the number of pumps to activate or disactivate does not necessarily need to be consecutive, meaning that activating or disactivating pumps one by one may not be the best solution. The convex hyperbola charts show how there can be circumstances in which skipping a certain number of pumps is the best solution. How the pump efficiency is distributed along the commercial pump plays a major role in determining which is the best configuration of active pumps. A straightforward and inexpensive optimization methodology for the optimization of the energy in a water supply system was proved and exemplified. This simple methodology can be applied by engineers in the operation of a water supply system when pumping is required, e.g., in agricultural systems or in underdeveloped areas where energy expenses need to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes how drought management may be more sustainable in the Mediterranean region in order to face climate change. This paper collects information on the extraordinary efforts to manage drought in the region, highlighting how policies and investments in data and monitoring, as well as climate change, have defined the progress of drought management efforts. These crucial efforts may not be sustainable under highly likely short-term changes in climate and society. This paper proposes to include more explicitly lessons from managing common resources and from risk management, to guide the evolution of more sustainable drought management in the Mediterranean region. This research highlights the importance of shifting towards dynamic, proactive, and adaptive drought plans, emphasizing voluntary measures, defining responsibilities, and including future scenarios in the planification. Additionally, this paper proposes the establishment of a Technical Secretariat to centralize information, coordination, and collaboration in drought management efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water supply systems need to be designed accounting for both construction and operational costs. When the installation requires water pumping, it is key for the operational costs to know how well the pump can perform. So far, pump efficiency has been considered using conservative values, in the absence of a better estimation. The aim of this paper was to improve determining the energy costs by clarifying what the value of the pump performance should be. For this, 226 commercial pumps were studied, registering the efficiency at the optimum operating point, as well as other variables such as the flow rate, height, and pump type. As a result, a strong relationship between the pump performance and the discharge flow was spotted. That allowed the generation of an empirical curve, which can be used by designers to anticipate what pump efficiency can be expected. The results are used in a simple case study using the Granados Optimization System. These achievements can be implemented in design policies for a better energy assessment in the optimization of water supply systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]