Spreadsheet-Based Pipe Networks Analysis for Teaching and Learning Purpose

Abstract

An example of hydraulic design project for teaching purpose is presented. Students’ task is to develop a looped distribution network for water (i.e. to determinate node consumptions, disposal of pipes, and finally to calculate flow rates in the network’s pipes and their optimal diameters). This can be accomplished by using the original Hardy Cross method, the improved Hardy Cross method, the node-loop method, etc. For the improved Hardy Cross method and the node-loop method, use of matrix calculation is mandatory. Because the analysis of water distribution networks is an essential component of civil engineering water resources curricula, the adequate technique better than the hand-oriented one is desired in order to increase students’ understanding of this kind of engineering systems and of relevant design issues in more concise and effective way. The described use of spreadsheet solvers is more than suitable for the purpose, especially knowing that spreadsheet solvers are much more matrix friendly compared with the hand-orientated calculation. Although matrix calculation is not mandatory for the original Hardy Cross method, even in that case it is preferred for better understanding of the problem. The application of commonly available spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel) including two real classroom tasks is presented. ; JRC.C.3-Energy Security, Distribution and Markets

Short Overview of Early Developments of the Hardy Cross Type Methods for Computation of Flow Distribution in Pipe Networks

“…Similar examples, but for water flow, can be seen in [26]. Optimization of pipe diameters in a water distributive pipe network using the same approach can be seen in [6]. Figure 1 (flows are for normal pressure conditions; real pressure in the network is Pa abs i.e.…”

One-Log Call Iterative Solution of the Colebrook Equation for Flow Friction Based on Padé Polynomials

“…Calculation of complex water or gas distribution networks (Brkić 2009, Brkić 2011ab, Praks et al 2015, Praks et al 2017 which requires few evaluations of logarithmic function for each pipe, presents a significant and extensive burden which available computer resources hardly can easily manage (Clamond 2009, Giustolisi et al 2011, Danish et al 2011, Winning and Coole 2013, Vatankhah 2018. The Colebrook equation is based on logarithmic law where the unknown flow friction factor is given implicitly, i.e., it appears on both sides of Equation (1) in form , from which it cannot be extracted analytically; an exception is through the Lambert -function (Keady 1998, Sonnad and Goudar 2004, Brkić 2011cd, Brkić 2012ab, Biberg 2017, Brkić 2017a. The common way to solve it is to guess an initial value for friction factor and then to try to balance it using the iterative algorithm (Brkić 2017b) which needs to be terminated after the certain number of iterations when the final balanced value is reached.…”

An MS Excel tool for water distribution network design in environmental engineering education

“…It includes a simplified programming language (Visual Basic for Applications [VBA]), and for this reason, several researchers pointed out that MS Excel (and VBA) is the most suitable tool for engineering education within the scope of Bologna Process . Considering complicated nature of WDN analysis, MS Excel is a perfect tool for teaching hydraulics of WDNs, and several researchers applied Excel‐based solutions to the problem of WDN analysis .…”

“…Considering the fact that most of students who own a personal computer also own at least a student license of MS Excel and that MS Excel VBA is recognized as the most suitable tool for engineering education by a great number of researchers/teachers, a VBA program could be more helpful for teaching WDN analysis. Besides, several tools for teaching WDN hydraulics perform only steady‐state analysis of a given WDN. Therefore, new tools are required for teaching extended period simulations of WDNs.…”