Modern Cost modelling for Water Systems
Lead Research Organisation:
Brunel University London
Department Name: Civil Engineering
Abstract
Recent improvements in cost modelling, simulation-based multi-objective optimization, and post-optimality analysis have enabled the integration of costing data and cost estimation into a new methodology for supporting economically sound decision-making in manufacturing enterprises. The combination of production engineering and financial data with multi-objective optimization has been proven to provide essential information to facilitate knowledge-driven decision-making in real-world production systems development. The focus of this research is to present the cost modelling technique specifically designed for the integration with single simulation models and multi-objective optimization within the methodology that will be used to assess the circular economy concept. A complete example, using the simulation model and data modified from some real-world case study (HYDROUSA) is provided in this research to illustrate how the methodology and cost modelling are applied for the optimal investment decision support.
The purpose of this research is to deliver a methodology for a better understanding of the cost structure of water system processes. The existing models in the literature are focused on few variables such as the influence of the capacity of plant, expressed as inhabitants or flow rate, on the cost of water treatment. Also by deriving an applicable cost model will assess the circular economy potential and the performance of innovative nature-based solutions (HYDROUSA systems) with respect to principles of low energy, green production and maximisation of process productivity and efficiency. The analysis should include estimations of the economic impacts that water and wastewater services have on the environment as well as studies of financial costs of the water and wastewater services (Camp Dresser & McKee Ltd, 2004).
This research will develop a holistic methodology to measure the performance, sustainability and assess the circularity potential of the water-energy-food nexus in decentralized systems. The economic impacts of the different water systems will be performed using different tools and indicators. The Material Flow Analysis (MFA) will be performed to plan overview of the water related processes of the city and an overall water and nutrient balance (N and P) throughout the supply chain of HYDROUSA nexus.
Scope of project
The main objective of this research is to develop, apply, optimize and evaluate the cost function for the existing and the proposed water system (HYDROUSA) and recognize the most cost effective water system.
Outcome:
By using real data acquisition and combine those into modelling, this research try to improve the effectiveness of the water-energy-food nexus. The focus of the research will be on nutrient management, boosting the agricultural, energy profile and local economies, based on circular value chains and will deliver innovative, regenerative and circular solutions for nature-based water management. For each of the nature-based technologies implemented in HYDROUSA an applicable Unique KPIs will be developed, enabling the development of a holistic methodology for the sustainability and circularity assessment of the decentralized water systems. The interactions between water, energy, food, environment and economic is the main goal of the methodology of this research that will guide towards the operating conditions that lead to a circular approach of the target technologies. Therefore, the main concern of this research is to propose a novel solution in terms of circular economy in the policy-making of the water segment.
This research firstly contributed to provides a comprehensive and robust methodology for cost function estimation and secondly, it develops cost functions that are grounded on a set of terms with an associated physical meaning. It should be highlighted that obtained cost functions are a step-forward in cost analysis.
The purpose of this research is to deliver a methodology for a better understanding of the cost structure of water system processes. The existing models in the literature are focused on few variables such as the influence of the capacity of plant, expressed as inhabitants or flow rate, on the cost of water treatment. Also by deriving an applicable cost model will assess the circular economy potential and the performance of innovative nature-based solutions (HYDROUSA systems) with respect to principles of low energy, green production and maximisation of process productivity and efficiency. The analysis should include estimations of the economic impacts that water and wastewater services have on the environment as well as studies of financial costs of the water and wastewater services (Camp Dresser & McKee Ltd, 2004).
This research will develop a holistic methodology to measure the performance, sustainability and assess the circularity potential of the water-energy-food nexus in decentralized systems. The economic impacts of the different water systems will be performed using different tools and indicators. The Material Flow Analysis (MFA) will be performed to plan overview of the water related processes of the city and an overall water and nutrient balance (N and P) throughout the supply chain of HYDROUSA nexus.
Scope of project
The main objective of this research is to develop, apply, optimize and evaluate the cost function for the existing and the proposed water system (HYDROUSA) and recognize the most cost effective water system.
Outcome:
By using real data acquisition and combine those into modelling, this research try to improve the effectiveness of the water-energy-food nexus. The focus of the research will be on nutrient management, boosting the agricultural, energy profile and local economies, based on circular value chains and will deliver innovative, regenerative and circular solutions for nature-based water management. For each of the nature-based technologies implemented in HYDROUSA an applicable Unique KPIs will be developed, enabling the development of a holistic methodology for the sustainability and circularity assessment of the decentralized water systems. The interactions between water, energy, food, environment and economic is the main goal of the methodology of this research that will guide towards the operating conditions that lead to a circular approach of the target technologies. Therefore, the main concern of this research is to propose a novel solution in terms of circular economy in the policy-making of the water segment.
This research firstly contributed to provides a comprehensive and robust methodology for cost function estimation and secondly, it develops cost functions that are grounded on a set of terms with an associated physical meaning. It should be highlighted that obtained cost functions are a step-forward in cost analysis.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Evina Katsou (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Matia Ghafourian (Student) |