ON THE SOLVABILITY OF WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS WITH UNKNOWN PIPE CHARACTERISTICS

Necessary and sufficient conditions for the solvability of water distr ibution networks with unknown pipe characteristics are developed. They are predicated on the interdependence between the unknown pipe charac teristics and the network hydraulic performance. These characteristics are determined to exactly satisfy defined values of nonlinear boundar y equality constraints. The constraint set consists of the stated supp ly pressure or energy grade requirements to be maintained at critical locations throughout the distribution network. The determination of su ch conditions is important for a comprehensive and effective modelling and optimization of water networks.