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Computational Modeling for Water Innovative Systems

Stanford University, ReNUWIt


Anpothowin Jensen, Jonathan Bradshaw. Richard Luthy Commented [DN1]: Hot

Various regions across California are suffering from a groundwater shortage. This is
mainly due to the fact that water is being overdrawn and needs to be imported. Importing
waterThe importation of water does not meet struggles to meet demands and therefore poses
dangers of extreme water scarcity among water systems. The goal of this study is to combat
water shortage by facilitating the creation of resilient water infrastructure systems against climate
variability. AquaCharge is a tool that will model cost-effectiveness for connecting recycled water
facilities to groundwater recharge ponds, called spreading basins.
Today’s water infrastructure planning faces many challenges that are commonly
attributed to climate change and population growth, as well as to the urgent need to improve
ecosystems that are affected by encroaching infrastructure development. The chief difficulty
inherent in designing innovative water systems is designing cost-effective systems. Planning
tools are important because they assist water planners in predicting design cost and performance.
Failure to create resilient systems can cause financial burden or water shortages.
AquaCharge is a planning framework that optimizes the use of water resources. To do this,
AquaCharge seeks to optimize the following parameters: recycled water production, conveyance,
and groundwater recharge through spreading basins. In order to optimize the system, recycled
water and storm water can replenish spreading basins. AquaCharge offers the following
additional benefits:
1. AquaCharge model’s feasibility for the delivery of purified water and other water sources
such as stormwater, and imported water to spreading basins.
2. AquaCharge can be used to minimize life cycle costs and maximize groundwater
recharge.
3. AquaCharge provides water planners a better understanding of the trade-offs that are
associated with different configurations and scales. Thus, the model can be adapted to
unique specifications. We will be able to identify areas where we can cut infrastructure
costs by 50 percent or more.

In my project, I aim to adapt the AquaCharge framework, which is written in MATLAB, to


Microsoft Excel, a more widely- used computer program. With this adaptation, the generated
costs give an estimation of the costs that are to be expected within adjustable parameters.
In this project, the goal is to create resilient, economically sustainable water systems to
meet future demands. Another major problem with water planning is that there is uncertainty on
about whether or not the innovation will follow as planned.
To combat this uncertainty, we aim The goal is to provide a model that can be used as a
tool to generate life cycle costs for water planning projects. We use computational modeling to
facilitate planning of infrastructure systems using Eexcel. This The entire model system project
comprisesis comprised of three major modules: such as 1. Pipeline;, 2. Pump station;, and 3.
Treatment. Within these modules, there are parameters derivedwe have derived parameters to
calculate the outputs illustrated
in Figure 1.

The user will need to


provide key variables that are
attributed to each of the
modules characteristic. Then Commented [DN2]: Confusing; maybe, “the user will
The program then the module need to provide key variables within the modules?”
will generates the outputs. On Figure 1. illustrates the inputsInputs and outputs of the Eexcel model. All
the user’s page outputs are inputs are utilized for every module and generate cost estimations in
demonstrated for the entire present value.
system. Ultimately, it is Commented [DN3]: Again, confusing; what do you mean
important to find the Life Cycle costs in present value terms. by this?
The user will be provided with itemized cost data, based on the inputs.
I found Excel’s The tool VLOOKUP tool to be useful in was useful calculating options based on
the pipeline construction costs per inch., Construction costs per inch arethis aspect is significant
because it they will more than likellikely not change, since because itthey are is based on
standard pipe lengths and pipe diameter sizes. With that being said, each module contains its
own set parameters that determine specific costs attributed based on eacheach modules module’s
characteristic. For exampleinstance, the treatment module required unique calculations for the
three different water treatment processes, such as OZONE-BA, MF-RO, and UV/H2O2.
Therefore, this module can be adjusted provided changed settings without changing the
fundamental components of the system.

In the futureIn the following weeks, I will need to be done is to finish developing the modework Formatted: Indent: First line: 0"
on finishing the mode, and then connect it back to ground water recharge. Later Future studies
will need to investigate on how this model can be applied to other systems. Additionally, I would
like to incorporate more modules within my model that I would then I would like to compare to
my results to results of Aquacharge itself. By comparing it will help maximize optimization. The
application of this module will be useful for the Santa Clara Water District and their its current
pursuit of creating resilient cost-effective water systems. More specifically, SCWD is currently
in the water infrastructure planning process now.

Among the Limitations limitations of this project are that Eexcel is not as powerful as
MATLAB, computationally speaking.. However, ultimately, the model alleviates barriers
associated with MATLAB accessibility. For this reason, we hope that it will be put to use in both
an academic and real-world context.

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