Running a BalanceNet simulation
The BalanceNet functionality in InfoWorks WS Pro allows automated optimisation of a selection of pumping stations. A BalanceNet optimisation simulation is carried out to determine pump schedules that minimise electricity costs whilst maintaining reservoir volume and meter and pipe flow constraints.
To run a BalanceNet simulation:
- Set up the simulation as normal as described in
Creating and scheduling a run.
Note: An electricity tariff must be selected for a BalanceNet run to be carried out.
- Select BalanceNet as the run type on the Schedule Hydraulic Run view.
The BalanceNet Options dialog is displayed automatically when this option is first selected. The dialog can also be opened by clicking the adjacent Options button.
- Set parameters on the BalanceNet Options dialog.
Tip: It is possible to perform grouping-only BalanceNet runs by enabling the Pump Grouping Only option. As parameterisation and validation are not included in such runs, grouping-only runs are significantly quicker than full BalanceNet runs and can be used as a starting point for pump grouping optimisation purposes. See BalanceNet Pump Grouping Wizard for more information.
- Run the simulation as normal.
During the optimisation run, the BalanceNet optimiser will run many simulations using different schedules for the pumping stations to be optimised.
The results of the best schedule found will be shown and will be updated when an improved schedule is found.
Typically, an optimisation simulation will require a few hundred runs (if starting from an existing schedule) to a few thousand (or million) runs (if starting without an existing schedule) to reach a solution. For models with a long simulation time, you may wish to stop the simulation manually when the Electricity Cost graph indicates that convergence has been reached. (Note that the Electricity Cost graph does not include penalties imposed due to failure to meet reservoir or node constraints.)
At the end of the BalanceNet run, the BalanceNet optimiser will re-run the simulation that has given the best schedule and save the results. If a checked out control has been used and the Update Control Data option has been checked in the BalanceNet Options dialog, the checked out control data will be updated with the pumping schedules from the simulation.
