'The mathematic models we use enable us to analyse various complex networks'


Tamás Huzsvár and Richárd Wéber, PhD students of BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Hydrodynamic Systems examine the network theory and energy emission aspects of potable water networks. Their lecture was awarded a special award and a Public Choice Award on the potable water- and sewage system technology-related Dulovics Junior Symposium. Interview. 

What do you study in your PhD researches? 

Richárd Wéber: We both would like to build up and precise mathematical models of potable water networks, and draw overall conclusions about their operation. Our aim is that potable water should be transferred in proper quantity, most efficiently and inexpensively, to the consumers. We work based on the 1D hydraulic model of potable water networks, using mathematical tools of network theory.

Richárd Wéber (Photo: BME-HDS)
What challenges can reduce the efficiency of these networks?

Richárd Wéber: For instance, there are vast quantities of leakages, due to the erosion of the pipes. It is pumped into the network, but no one pays for it, it is called non-invoiced water. There are methods to estimate the locations and how to reduce this loss. It is otherwise not necessarily secure, because these elements are located 1-2 meters underground, so it is costly and uncomfortable.

The efficiency of drinking water supply can be enhanced by the proper setting of the pump phases. The pumping process itself has two steps. The first one is the well-pumping when groundwater is extracted and treated. The other phase, which we study, is that if we have a water tank with potable water, how should we transfer it to specific points of the network.

It matters that when does the waterworks operate the pumps, due to the tremendous electricity costs. If we analyse the proper moment of setting changes, it has significant financial advantages.

Tamás Huzsvár: The topic of our research is closely linked to the rapidly expanding field of network theory. One hundred years ago, when the first industrial-sized water distribution networks were designed and built, the metropolitan areas were four-five times smaller than nowadays, as an effect of the drastic urbanisation in the last fifty years, the complexity and heterogeneity of these networks increased on a large scale. As the expansion of cities is a spontaneous process, almost every region has networks where operational issues appear. One of our research goals is to identify such parts of the network, where the network needs improvement, due to e.g. low base pressure, or pressure fluctuations. To solve these type of operational problems, we search for the most effective low-cost solution – the optimal place for a new pipeline – which will increase the pressure stability of the network on a larger scale.

Tamás Huzsvár (Photo: BME-HDS)
The other focus of our research is the implementation and calibration of 1D water distribution network models. As the drinking water networks keep changing over the years, it often turns out, that the structural and topological properties of an operating system are completely different than the original design. A network model can be thought of as a snapshot of its structure. We have to analyse and understand the changes made over the years, for instance, damage of gate valves, the increasing level of pressure loss as an effect of pipe corrosion or sedimentation. Without this model calibration, we cannot model the real life flow conditions in a water distribution network.

Both of you gained awards on your conference lecture on Dulovics Junior Symposium. What do you owe this honour to?

Richárd Wéber: My lecture was about, that the same phenomenon can be experienced at potable water networks, as at electric or internet networks, that there are exclusively essential parts of the network, where, if they have got damaged, the network falls apart. Most of the pipe bursts are not known by the many, as they occur only at the end of a small street. The opposite also happened in Budapest, in 2012, at Szent Gellért tér, that a main pipeline with large diameter broke, this made the most of the XIth district of Budapest unprovided.   

Tamás Huzsvár: The topic of my presentation was the topology optimisation of water distribution networks. We have identified a parameter, which is able to connect the nodal pressure robustness of the network to its topology. For instance, there are such rapidly growing settlements, where the consumers at the end of the street cannot have a shower in the summer watering season due to the decreased system pressure. The parameter what we found - the nodal pressure sensitivity of the network –  enables us to identify the exact location of a new pipeline, which can provide as much pressure stabilisation (of such critically sensitive zones of a water distribution network) as possible. 

What do you plan?

Wéber Richárd: I’m spending the fourth year of my doctoral studies, while Tamás is spending the second one. I can see opportunities to stay at the department, but it is only actual a year later. I would like to stay in the field of academy or research.

Tamás Huzsvár: Our field of study has several connections to other fields. The mathematical methods we use can be implemented in the analysis of various complex networks. I find the topic of the drinking water network analysis really interesting. The two-third of the global population gets water via these type of networks, so if we can enhance the energy efficiency by just a little amount, even one-tenth of one percentage, it decreases energy consumption in the long term on a large extent. I can see perspectives in staying at the department; meanwhile, I am also interested in taking opportunities in the industry. I believe that this great profession has several aspects, which can be experienced in direct technical tasks, inspiring one for future innovations. Luckily, I still have two years until the decision.

What would you say to those who apply to BSc majors of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering?

 Richárd Wéber: Of course, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is the best faculty, many share this opinion If someone has good results from mathematics and physics, and does not get scared from gears, then this is the right place!

 Tamás Huzsvár: Anyone, who starts a major in mechanical engineering major, is going to find a specific area matching their interests, due to the broad spectrum of mechanical engineering studies. There is no other profession, in which one can use the toolkit of applied mathematics, learn about drinking water networks, or explore the specialities of machine manufacturing science, including the construction of basalt-reinforced composite boats. 

László Benesóczky


No comments:

Post a Comment