Clean water hydraulic model conversion for Severn Trent Water

The Challenge

Following the client's successful takeover of a Wales based water company, eleven clean water hydraulic models (encompassing over 122,000 properties, 27 reservoirs and 37 pumps) had to be either converted or rebuilt onto the parent company's modelling software. The client's initial attempts to convert the Harp 1 models (based on Epanet software) into Synergi format highlighted a number of issues involving valves, pipes, demand profiles and calibration charts not converting properly. 

The Solution

The hydraulic modelling experts at WRc proposed the sole submission for this project, having the skills and experience within the team to develop a bespoke solution. The team developed a routine by which all Harp 1 Control Group models could be converted successfully into the Synergi format.

Quality was assured through a collaborative approach between WRc and the client teams, and each model was reviewed prior to handover to ensure the final models meet the requirements of the client modelling specification. Model simulation results (flows/pressures) for key assets were provided by the client modelling teams and were used to ‘calibrate’ the model in Synergi by comparison against existing Harp 1 results.

A process was developed by which the Harp 1 models were initially converted into Epanet (InfoWater) model files, then imported into our bespoke modified tool which provided the conversion process. The eleven models were then exported into Synergi and calibration changes were made if necessary. Our routine to correct the valve node names upon migration into the new models had a very positive impact on the valve migration success rate (62.5% vs 99.7% successful imports), minimising the main issue encountered by this transfer.

All eleven models are now included in the client model stock and are available for employees to use when required.