Resilient Drinking Water Networks Through Artificial Intelligence and Mathematical Simulation

The drinking water supply faces major challenges: climate change, increasing periods of drought, and declining groundwater reserves are raising the risk of water shortages in certain regions. At the same time, demands are growing for supply security, crisis management, and a flexible, resilient infrastructure. At Fraunhofer ITWM, we develop mathematical models, simulations, and AI-based methods to make the drinking water sector sustainable for the future. Our goal is to make planning and operational decisions more informed, faster, and more sustainable.

We combine mathematical modeling, simulation, and artificial intelligence to better understand, plan, and manage complex water management systems. We develop data-driven models that enable more accurate predictions of water demand. In this way, we help utilities plan their resources efficiently and respond to potential shortages early on.

Simulation and Optimization of Infrastructure

We use mathematical simulations to analyze and optimize water infrastructure – both during the planning of new networks and during ongoing operations.

In doing so, we consider, among other things:

• designing the infrastructure (determining optimal pump sizes, analyzing the network infrastructure)
• optimizing operational strategies (pump control, tank filling regimes)
• Evaluating supply scenarios (resource-efficient water procurement, optimal mixing ratios)
• Resilience to disruptions and extreme events (optimized robust operating modes, optimal strategies for emergency scenarios)

We simplify complex networks using data-driven models and system characteristics. This makes simulations more efficient and enables rapid analysis of large-scale infrastructure systems. At Fraunhofer ITWM, we combine applied mathematics, simulation, and AI with real-world challenges. This results in tools that help utilities make their systems more efficient, resilient, and sustainable.

Smart Energy Management and Sector Coupling

Water and energy networks are becoming increasingly interconnected. We investigate how drinking water infrastructure can be integrated into energy systems as flexible components.

In doing so, we are working to optimize energy consumption during operations, leverage the flexibility potential of water infrastructure, and integrate energy and water management.