Using patterns to control pumps or reservoir HGL over time


Product(s):WaterGEMS, WaterCAD, HAMMER
Version(s):V8i, CONNECT Edition
Area:Layout and Data Input

Problem

How can I use patterns to change the pump speed over time (or turn it on/off based on time), or reservoir hydraulic grade over time?

Solution

Each reservoir and pump can have its own pattern assigned to it.

Reservoirs

Steps to create and assign a reservoir pattern:

  1. Go to the Components menu and select patterns.
  2. Select the reservoir folder and click the new icon.
  3. Name the pattern and enter the data.
  4. Double-click on a reservoir to open the properties dialog.
  5. Click in the input field for the "Hydraulic Grade Pattern" property, and select the pattern you created from the drop-down list.

Note: this pattern only applies to an Extended Period Simulation (EPS).

To change the hydraulic grade over time during a transient simulation in HAMMER, use the periodic head-flow element: Modeling a change in HGL or flow during a transient simulation

Pumps

A pump pattern can be used to turn a pump on/off over time (simpler than creating time-based logical controls), or change the speed of the pump over time (for example if you already know how the pump ramps up.down over time)

Steps to create and assign a pump pattern:

  1. Go to the Components menu and select patterns.
  2. Select the pump folder and click the new icon.
  3. Name the pattern and enter the data.
  4. Double-click on a pump to open the properties dialog.
  5. Make sure "Is Variable Speed Pump?" is set to true.
  6. Set "VSP Type" to Pattern Based.
  7. Click in the input field for the "Pattern (Relative Speeds)" property, and select the pattern you created from the drop-down list.

Note: this pattern only applies to the speed of the pump during an Extended Period Simulation (EPS).

To change the pump speed over time during a transient simulation, use the pump's transient Operating Rule.

You can also assign patterns using FlexTables. This will allow you to sort by zone or pump station.

See Also

Customizing FlexTables for viewing and reporting data -- Moving, adding, and removing columns