Energy Audit of Water Networks

This paper presents the energy audit of a water network, which is obtained from the energy equation in integral form, and its time integration extended over a given period (day, month, or year). The analysis allows accounting for all the energy in the system, showing that the energy balance is maintained. This balance can be used to obtain performance indicators to assess the system from the energetic point of view. From these indicators, it is possible to identify the improvement actions that will make the system more efficient. This energy audit requires a previous water balance and the mathematical model of the network, both of which are necessary to know the energy flows through the system’s boundaries.The writers would also like to thank the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation for its support through the Research Project No. CGL2008-01910/BTE