System for controlled distribution of non-demand-covering water availability: concept, design and modelling

Abstract

This paper presents a novel water supply system to distribute limited water resources with varying quantity. The system enables a controlled, planned and, thus, fair distribution of the water availability independently from the consumption patterns. The system input is transported by gravitation through a branched pipe system to decentralised storage tanks. Each storage tank is allocated to a supply unit which comprises several consumers and, possibly, distribution structures connecting the consumers and the tank. At every junction the water is divided by a distribution tank with several chambers that are separated by weir overflows. Water that is not consumed is redistributed in the system automatically. The concept, the components, planning criteria and system design as well as the system modelling are described within the paper. The application of the solution in a supply area located in northern Vietnam is outlined. HIGHLIGHTS The hydraulically self-acting system enables a fair distribution during non-demand-covering operation and a conventional distribution during demand-covering operation.; The low-maintenance components and the minimal effort required for operation and control supports an application where know-how and funding is limited.; System design and system modelling are based on intelligible approaches and open-source software.;

Keywords

• appropriate technology
• controlled division
• equality
• water distribution
• water scarcity
• water supply