Smart Water-Energy Nexus in Water Distribution Plants - Essay Example

Smart water-energy nexus in water distribution plants Name Institution Instructor Subject Date Sustainable operations management on water transmission and distribution The GCC region experiences one of the harshest climates in the world. The only available source of water is found along the coastal strip mainly in Saudi Arabian region [2]. The aquifers hardly have renewable energy. This has called for the government to embrace techniques that would be used to supply water from the desalinization of the sea water. This is achieved through a distillation process that involves a multi stage flash distillation. Additionally, the new technology has seen the utilization of reverse osmosis that aids in cutting down the costs that is incurred in the desalination of water. This has been accompanied by other processes such as the membrane technologies [1, 3]. These processes tend to be cost effective as they enhance the sustainability of desalinization process. The process of assessing and implementing the technologies that is associated with sustainable management of operations on the transmission and distribution of water is a pressing issue taking into account the high rate of breakages experienced and the replacements made. The project touches on the assessment of structural condition of installed mains of water transmission as well as distribution. Apparently, the United Arab Emirates forms one of the region that exhibit scarce resource in water. Contrary, its per capita income in water is estimated to be about 550 liters per day that accounts for one of the highest water consumption. The ever increasing population is one of the reasons that contribute to high amount of water consumption. Apparently, in 2009, it was estimated that the consumption of waster in UAE was about 4 billion m3 that accounts for 20 percent of the desalinated water, 10 percent retreated water as well s 70 percent of ground water. The industrial, households and the agricultural sectors form the areas that consume great amount of waters. Most of the water that is used in the private sector in UAE is utilized in air conditioning as the temperatures are normally high. These make them to contribute great amount of water as well as energy so as to cool the environment. Consequently, UAE exhibit greatest consumption of water. Most of it is usually bottled. The misuse of water also contributed little progress in the management of water resources. This has been manifested in the irrigation process whereby the spray irrigation contributes to approximately 10 liters of water on each given day [7]. In order to counter this waste, several regulations have been set up that tries to mitigate these problems. They include; conducting awareness programs that promote conservation of water, setting up new technologies that would foster limited amount of water consumption such as use of drip irrigation. On the other hand, the agricultural sector has also consumed great amount of water. The systems of municipal water cause the level of the air pollution to decrease as well as other impacts arising from the use of water. Water finds its usage mostly in the mornings as well as during the early leavings. This therefore requires the operators working in the water system to make provision of water that is enough to sustain the appropriate pressure when the demand is changing. There is therefore need to ensure that appropriate timing as well as distribution of water is done efficiently and that it gets to its destination without causing much wastage of power used. A lot of utilities in the water system make use of optimization tools that are hydraulic. These tools demonstrate that sustainable operations management on water transmission and distribution can be facilitated through the use of computer technical applications. Sustainable transmission The aspect of energy management also comes in because the whole process is a process that utilizes energy. The progress is therefore pegged on the efficient use of energy which makes the whole process successful and attractive. The water demand, water value, the cost effective nature of the water system as well as, the structural condition of the system are expected to increase and become more favorable with the introduction of sustainable management of operations on the transmission and distribution of water [10]. Pipes whose installation was made in the period of the olden days have a higher likelihood of experiencing failure to a larger scale. Thus, the ability to establish the condition of the pipe makes it possible to address the faulty conditions of the pipes which in turn alleviate associated risks, cost, damages and potential failures. It also assists in prevention of premature nee of replacement of pipes that are structurally sound to aid in saving of resources and cost. The assessment of the condition is considered very important where its application is relevant and also where it is cost effective. This importance comes in handy in the management of infrastructure asset which offers support to the process of sustainable operations management on water transmission and distribution [3]. A clear understanding of the condition of the pipeline assists in optimized utility operations, decisions of capital improvement as well as maintenance. This plays a major role in reducing structural failures, poor water quality, failures of the hydraulic systems and its adverse effects as well as minimizing the costs of lifecycle. Therefore making improvements in performance and applicable range as well as the conditions of cost assessment of the technology will make further improvement in the quality and quantity of the data that is used in decisions of asset management. The utilities can be able to make use of the data that is collected as sound decision making basis with regard to selection, use of these technologies as well as their further development. The sooner the technologies in there useful condition as well as the cost effective measures are adopted and developed, the more the advantages to water utilities and their users. The integrity of the mains of drinking water that is buried is very importance since it has an influence on the quality of water, water pressure, losses as well as costs [6]. The process of carrying out an overview investigation of the piping condition and carrying out a feasibility study on prediction and prevention indices for pipes of high interest scenario is a requirement in sustainable operations management on water transmission and distribution. Water transmission and distribution management includes field work demonstration of creative ways of detecting and inspecting leakages. During the field work demonstration carried out by several water companies, the site project manager availed cast iron pipe which was cement lined for purposes of demonstrations carried out in the field. The management also made provision of an on-site help which included accessibility to the functionality of valves and pipes as well as providing the various pipe data among other activities [7]. There were sections of pipes which were removed so as to make comparison of measurement of parameters which were found to be similar for various pipes. The demonstration of recent innovation included usage of three different approaches of innovation for excitation of acoustic, its emission and monitoring techniques, the capability of sensing existing and new techniques; integrating techniques of excavation accuracy and observation technologies to bring down the inspection cost; and raise the scale of technologies for inspecting pipes having small diameter that is less than 24 inch. Towards the end of the project it is expected that the main failures in the water transmission and distribution system are going to be reduced substantially as well as their adverse effects on environment, safety and public health. It will also impose a reduction in the replacement of components of water system as well as adverse effect on the growth of the economy. It is expected that the results will go up from enhanced decision making with regard to time, location, the kind of main inspection of water, activities of renewal as well as maintenance; favorable decisions concerning development and usage of enlarged and quickened use of creative and efficient devises for assessing condition as well as system and procedures. The ever prolonging summer time has increased in the level of energy water nexus in the contemporary society. In its correlation, the amount of power tends to depend on the amount of water and the amount of water also depends with the amount of power. This nexus tends to be costly that makes each resource to be dependent on each other. Water used in generation of electricity Water may be used in form of steam in the generation of electricity. Water is heated to form steam which operates on expansion and contraction that would move the turbines that would spin the engines [5]. The engines turns the magnetic fields which in turn the mechanical energy that has been generated to be converted to electricity. Apparently most of the power plants that were built in the 1970 operate with an open lop design that have the capability of consuming approximately 20000-60000 gallons of water [6-7]. After 1970s most of the plants changed their designs to closed loop that are capable if recycling theory water throughout the year. It is approximately that approximately, 10 percent of the electricity finds its application n waste management. The population continues to grow while using he little available water source. Regulations have been sent such that, the cong waters are withdrawn. This would tend to provide the need for fresh water that would be used by people. The desalination of water utilizes a lot of energy as salt water is turned to fresh water. This is approximated to take about 9800kWh per given million gallons of the fresh water. Water Management policies According to the law, water that is used for drinking is placed above all other water usages which include; industrial use, agricultural use as well as municipal services use. However, the laws and policies are mainly to ensure that there is sustainable water source and the requirement of permits for drawing water and making of wells [9]. Process of exploiting resources of water is run through three different set of policies; one is the government regulation. This concerns the arrangement of water usage with the provision of a generalized road map for managing water resources; the water usage licensing procedure and ground water regulation and management. The permit issuance authority with regard to surface water usage rests with the government. An application for exploiting water that is on the surface requires a submission which must also be accepted before any developments are made. The authority that issues permission makes decision with regard to whether the sustainability of the environment and/or the public interest are disturbed or violated. The authority issuing permission also assesses whether the technical as well as administrative requirements have been adhered to. This is with inclusion of making payment subscription as well as for maintenance of the structures of water and continual operation of the sources of water. When it comes to ground water, there is a requirement in form of a permit for boring wells and also for harvesting ground water. In some cases the authority may allow the usage of water from the ground in household chores and drinking without necessarily having to issue within the limit as decided by the government. The management of water transmission and distribution can make the introduction of additional requirement, however the perspective permit requirements are; the drilling activity must be carried out by a well driller who has been accredited. The permit application for a well drilling is composed of a management of the environment criteria, the well topography, a location map, and monitoring and mitigation plan for extracting water with not more than 50 liters per second or a complete and comprehensive impact assessment. In accordance with the existing policies and regulations, companies dealing with clean water as well as those dealing with waste water have the mandate to ensure that there is water security and that the environment is not subjected to very high levels of pollution [6-8]. Provision of safe water has been the key objective of most of the companies that are key stakeholders in the water management, transmission and distribution sector. With this concern in mind, the key stakeholders have always directed their efforts in addressing these issues through expansion of laboratory networks and operations. The aim of this expansion is to identify and measure the factors that adversely affect the quality of water and making sure that there is adequate sampling in various environments. The process of dispersing clean water and waste water has, over the past years, brought about many problems as well as challenges related to providing the infrastructure for most other services [8]. Long before water and waste water companies were established, the supply and distribution of water as well as transmission and treatment services were just being provided without a properly defined structure. The services were being provided by local companies, private sectors as well as cooperatives. Those providing water supply services have got a continuous obligation to ensure that the health and safety of the people at the receiving is given the attention that it requires. The health ministry regulates the quality and standards for drinking water. The same authority monitors and regulates piped or packed water that is various usages. Tests carried out to detect the presence of pathogens are very vital. This is because the disease causing organism in the water is usually responsible for the attack of various illnesses. The management of water resources that is sustainable brings about a lot of challenges and calls for deeper focus as compared to other natural resources. It is therefore very important for the stakeholders involved in the management of the water system to understand the social, technical, economic and institutional aspects of availing water as well as services that are related and the importance of having integrated solutions that are of various disciplines and that include a variety of issues whose impacts affect the realization and development of the societal needs as well as affecting the business activities towards the clients [4]. The diversity of skills and expertise that is harbored by the professional in the field of water management system together with thinking through innovation helps a great deal in the delivery of that is cost effective to the clients. The comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the activities and operations that involve the ground as well as surface water management , availability of infrastructure, and provision of utilities to do with sewage and water services, technologies and standards of various industries as well as practices and activities of engineering. The clients of water companies include entities in government and public sector who perform the duty of delivering the planning, implementing and as well as managing a wide range of water resources and wide treatment, distribution and disposal of water through an appropriate infrastructure [7,8]. This is also applicable to the development of transport, energy and community resources as well as properties. The involvement in sustainable water transmission and distribution management by various water companies offers integrated solutions in the water management sector which in turn ate able to address all components and elements that are of concern in the water cycle. The services that are offered by the water companies include; project design, project planning, project management, carrying out feasibility study, asset management services, as well as the optimization of operations across a wider range of disciplines [8-9]. These disciplines include; coastal engineering and flood mapping, dam and bulk water, urban design of water infrastructure and management of water cycle, pumping and pipeline system, design and management of sustainable water system, impact assessment and audits, environmental management, irrigation and water ways management, advance treatment of waste water, odor control and management as well as planning and management of the supply of water and sewerage. Irrigation of agriculture and sanitation of water are considered by the government of the United States as priorities especially in the challenges posed by the millennium. The United States together with the nations that partner with it form pillars that are fundamental when it comes to lifting the ling standards and livelihood of the poor. Investments in water and sanitation assist a great deal in the reduction of illnesses that come about from diseases that are water borne and the investment in irrigation offers reliable support to the enhancement of agricultural produce and the income of the farmer. Adequate sanitation and clean water bring about enhancements in productivity, entrepreneurship and health as well as school attendance [9]. The change in climate and insecurity of food has got urgent need for water that is reliable and clean. Several water companies recognize the important water nexus, food and energy. Their water portfolio, therefore, comprises of various investments that offer support to the realization of efficient food production, industrial consumption and agriculture, home water use, generation of power as well as its transmission and distribution. The companies have placed their commitments in the support of countries partnering with their countries in their efforts to improve water and sanitation which are some of the ways in sustainably reducing the levels of poverty and stimulating economic growth. The mangers and operators involved in the sustainable transmission and distribution of water apply the principle of country selection and ownership in selecting, designing and implementing projects to do with water. Once they identified a problem to do with accessibility of water and sanitation which they regard as basic constraints to the alleviation of poverty and growth of the economy. However, this requires an extensive examination of all the obstacles as well as opportunities that are essential for sector development [8]. Projects are individually funded on the basis of highly projected economic impacts as well as poverty alleviation. In conclusion, the managers and operators in the system encourage those partnering with them to obtain and embrace an all-inclusive approach to project designs while having a focus beyond the engineering and infrastructural aspects in addressing major elements of a service delivery that is reliable. This involves development of major institution in the sector and reviews of resource constraints, environmental problems, regulations of water usage and conservation. It also has to do with social barriers, gender barriers and well as the ability of the local institutions to operational policies in place and implement them through the relevant and appropriate infrastructure. The adopted investment must be in a position to boost the water sanitation and availability services to the local community and international community. Other institutions in the water sector offer support to the strengthening and development of institutions of water and sanitation. They have the responsibility of planning and making oversight of the supply of water and delivery by the private companies and institutions in various states and cities and also at international level. They also partner with World Bank and global institutions of water services to support the project delivery and assisting the government in tendering out contracts. References [1] G. Olsson, "Water and Energy Nexus," Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology, 2011. [2] A. Siddiqi and L. D. Anadon, "The water–energy nexus in Middle East and North Africa," Energy Policy, vol. 39, pp. 4529-4540, 2011. [3] J. L. Schnoor, "Water–Energy Nexus," Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 45, pp. 5065-5065, 2011/06/15 2011. [4] A. Voinov and H. Cardwell, "The Energy-Water Nexus: Why Should We Care?," Journal of Contemporary Water Research & Education, vol. 143, pp. 17-29, 2009. [5] "SEN. MURKOWSKI CALLS FOR BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WATER AND ENERGY PRODUCTION," in US Fed News Service, Including US State News, ed. Washington, D.C., Malaysia, Washington, D.C., 2009. [6] C., Maas. Ontario’s Water-Energy Nexus: Will We Find Ourselves in Hot Water… or Tap into Opportunity? POLIS Project on Ecological Governance, University of Victoria, 2010 [7] G., Klein, G.California’s Water – Energy Relationship, Final Staff Report, California Energy Commission, 2005 [8] Alliance for Water Efficiency (2009), Device Distribution Program Introduction [9] A. Dickinson. Benefits of the United States Nationwide Plumbing Efficiency Standards, Water Supply 3(3): 231–237., 2003 [10] City of Toronto (2007), Climate Change, Clean Air, and Sustainable Energy Action Plan: Moving from Framework to Action, Read More