A stepwise fast leakage localization method applying the strategy of dynamic area narrowing down for large-scale water distribution network

Abstract

ABSTRACT Urban water distribution networks (WDNs) are facing serious leakage problems. As cities expand, the leakage localization burden on large WDNs gradually increases. Although methods have been widely researched, there is a lack of studies and successful applications for large-scale WDNs. To deal with this, a stepwise fast leakage localization Method, SFLLM, utilizing the `dynamic area narrowing down (DAND)' strategy and coupled leakage features (CLF) is proposed. The SFLLM includes a fast-and-dynamic stage using the DAND strategy to reduce the potential leakage area and an accurate localization stage. Only partial representative candidate locations are required to simulate leakages by DAND, and meantime CLF is used to analyze the leakage similarities so that the localization accuracy and efficiency can be improved. SFLLM was tested on a benchmark WDN, saving more than 88% of simulation by DAND strategy and achieving localization in 11 seconds. The results also proved the enhanced performance of CLF in ensuring the stability of the accuracy against various types of uncertainties that may occur in real WDNs. Moreover, three real burst leaks in an actual large-scale WDN were localized within 205 m in about 22 minutes by SFLLM, showing the method's reliable applicability in guiding field leak exploration.