Optimization of a Pumping System Using Convex Hyperbola Charts: A Case Study Application in Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain.

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]