Applications such as real-time control, uncertainty analysis and optimization require an extensive number of model iterations. Full hydrodynamic sewer models are not sufficient for these applications due to the excessive computation time. Simplifications are consequently required. A lumped conceptual modelling approach results in a much faster calculation. The process of identifying and calibrating the conceptual model structure could, however, be time-consuming. Moreover, many conceptual models lack accuracy, or do not account for backwater effects. To overcome these problems, a modelling methodology was developed which is suited for semi-automatic calibration. The methodology is tested for the sewer system of the city of Geel in the Grote Nete river basin in Belgium, using both synthetic design storm events and long time series of rainfall input. A MATLAB/Simulink® tool was developed to guide the modeller through the step-wise model construction, reducing significantly the time required for the conceptual modelling process.
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Research Article|
July 01 2013
Development of a semi-automated model identification and calibration tool for conceptual modelling of sewer systems
Vincent Wolfs;
1University of Leuven, Hydraulics Section, Kasteelpark Arenberg 40, BE-3001 Leuven, Belgium
E-mail: vincent.wolfs@bwk.kuleuven.be
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Mauricio Florencio Villazon;
Mauricio Florencio Villazon
1University of Leuven, Hydraulics Section, Kasteelpark Arenberg 40, BE-3001 Leuven, Belgium
2Universidad Mayor de San Simón, Hydraulics Laboratory, Petrolera Avenue Km 4.2 Cochabamba, Bolivia
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Patrick Willems
Patrick Willems
1University of Leuven, Hydraulics Section, Kasteelpark Arenberg 40, BE-3001 Leuven, Belgium
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Water Sci Technol (2013) 68 (1): 167–175.
Article history
Received:
November 15 2012
Accepted:
February 27 2013
Citation
Vincent Wolfs, Mauricio Florencio Villazon, Patrick Willems; Development of a semi-automated model identification and calibration tool for conceptual modelling of sewer systems. Water Sci Technol 1 July 2013; 68 (1): 167–175. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2013.237
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