A complex network based model for detecting isolated communities in water distribution networks

Abstract

Water distribution network (WDN) is a typical real-world complex network of major infrastructure that plays an important role in human's daily life. In this paper, we explore the formation of isolated communities in WDN based on complex network theory. A graph-algebraic model is proposed to effectively detect the potential communities due to pipeline failures. This model can properly illustrate the connectivity and evolution of WDN during different stages of contingency events, and identify the emerging isolated communities through spectral analysis on Laplacian matrix. A case study on a practical urban WDN in China is conducted, and the consistency between the simulation results and the historical data are reported to showcase the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model. Nowadays, the quality of human's life is significantly dependent on a reliable water supply system, which is one of the most critical infrastructures in modern society. With fast development of metropolitans, the structural and operational complexities of modern cities are increasingly dependent on the efficacy of Water distribution network (WDN). Quite often, any partial system failure or malfunction in WDN are greatly amplified through the whole network and thereby causing unexpected cascading contingencies, which potentially could split the WDN into isolated communities. The serious subsequent consequences due to system split can involve immediate suspensions of water supply in multiple areas. To some extent, traditional technologies are insufficient to study complicated behaviors of WDN, especially under contingency conditions. The model being proposed based on the view point of network structure will serve to provide a new solution of isolated community detection in the WDN.

Review of the Quantitative Resilience Methods in Water Distribution Networks

“…The effectiveness of each metric depends on its threshold, which judges whether a failure has occurred. For example, a high nodal pressure increases the maintenance costs and leakage risks [144], while a low nodal pressure leads to customer dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, aged water tends to harbor microbial growth that compromises the health of consumers [162].…”

“…The first step is clustering, which aims to define the network subsets. Among the various clustering methods are breadth-first search [119], depth-first search [137], K-shortest paths [75], spectrum clustering algorithms [144,145], and multi-level-recursive algorithm [146]. The second step is division, which partitions the network by inserting flow meters or valves.…”

A complex network theory approach for optimizing contamination warning sensor location in water distribution networks

“…Sheng et al [31], explored the formation of isolated communities in WDNs based on complex network theory. Shuang et al [20], evaluated the nodal vulnerability of WDNs under cascading failures.…”

“…complex network theory perspective [28]- [31]. In this paper we combine classical optimization and complex network theory in an innovative way.…”

System Dynamics Modelling Process in Water Sector: a Review of Research Literature

“…Water Supply and Distribution Networks (WSDNs) are the backbone of our society, which provide the critical service of supplying and conveying water to meet consumers' demand (Zarghami et al ., ). WSDNs are complex in the sense that all of their interconnected elements interact in a complex and dynamic manner (Sheng et al ., ). In recent years, this field has been the focus of increasing international research.…”